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THE 



ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED 



SCOTTISH EITE, 



IN THIRTY-THREE DEGREES. 



KNOWN HITHERTO IJNDEE, THE NAITES OF 

THE " RITE OF perfection" THE " RITE OF HEREDOM" THE " ANCIENT 

SCOTTISH rite" THE " RITE OF KILWINNING" AND LAST, AS 

THE " SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED." 



A FULL AND COMPLETE HISTORY, 
WITH AN APPENDIX, 

COXTAINn\G NUMEROUS AUTHENTIC DOCUMENTS, EELATING TO THE OKIGIN, PRO- 
GRESS AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RITE— EDICTS, CIRCULARS, PATENTS, 
REGISTERS, AND THE OPINIONS OF NUMEROUS AUTHORS — 
ILLUSTRATED WITH " TABLETS," 

- ROBERT B.' FOLGER, M. D., Past Master, 33d., 



EX-SECRETilRJ GENERAL, &C. 




PUBT^ISHEO BY THE AUTHOR. 

1 8 G 2. 



^€, 



<^o 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1862, 

By ROBERT B. FOLGER, M. D. 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, 

for the Southern District of New York. 



Stkreotyped by Prixtkd by 

VINCENT li. DILL, GEORGE W. WOOD, 

No. 128 Fulton Street. No. 2 Dutch Street. 



f 



DIEECTIONS FOE THE BINDEE. 

Each Number is composed of two parts, viz : the first part 

^^History.'' — the second part ^^ Documents ^^^- — ^separated by a blank 

leaf. The binder will separate the two, placing each part according 

to the folio 

Plate 1st faces page 27. 

Plate 2d faces page 51. -^r'^^-^r""--)-^ 

Plate 8d faces page 91. Wf-«*^ ^'"'■^ 

Plate 4th faces page 281 .»'' 

The table of '•^Contents for the History^' is to be placed in the be- 
ginning, and the ^ Contents for the Aj^j^endix^^ at the end. 



TO THE 

OF 

FBEE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, 

NEW YORK CITY. 

The unwavering and long continued kindness received at the 
hands of Bro. G. W, Steinbrenner, your worthy President — the 
encouragement from members in preparing the work for publi- 
cation — and the many tokens of fraternal feeling which have 
been bestowed by the Society, induce me to dedicate to you, the 
first fruit of my labors as an Author. 

No pains have been spared in collecting together the mate- 
rials of which the work is composed. Doubtless there will be 
found in it many imperfections, yet it has been my earnest desire 
to make the history perfect and complete. Fully sensible that it 
is open to criticism in many particulars, and unable from the 
scarcity of authentic and reliable documents, to alter it in any 
way for the better ; I send it forth in the hope, that the value 
to the fraternity of the information which it contains, will cover 
most of its defects. 

Respectfully and Fraternally, , 

Robert B. Folger, M. D. 
New York— 1862. 



CONTENTS, 



CHAPTER FIRST. 

Intkoduction — Explanation of the Nature of the History — Plan of the Work 
— Author's referred to — Remarks. Page 11. 



CHAPTER SECOND. 

Origin and Progress of the Rite of Peefection — The doctrine of " Deriva- 
tion " advocated as the basis of all " legal Masonic bodies " — Formation of 
the Grand Lodge of France — Introduction of new degrees into the system 
of Masonry — Council of the Emperors of the East and West — " Lacorne 
Grand Lodge " — Eite of Perfection — The Council in which it is practiced 
unites with the Grand Lodge of France — Union of the Grand Lodge of 
France with the Grand Orient — Nature of the Grand Orient of France — 
Tablet showing the progress of the Rite — 1761 — Stephen Morin, his 
Patent or Power — Controversy between the Grand Orient and the Supreme 
Council of France, concerning the rights of the Grand Orient — St. Domingo 
— Stephen Morin's Patent annulled in 1766 — Establishment of the Supreme 
Council of Charleston, May 31st, 1801 — They adopt a "?iew; rite," and 
issue a Circular in 1802. Page 22. 



CHAPTER THIRD. 

The " Rite of Perfection " receives a new name, viz., " Ancient and 
Accepted " — Progress of Morin — Appointments made by him and his 
successors — John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho — The Thirty-third 
degree how manufactured — New degrees added on — Commencement of the 
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite — Review of the Charleston docu- 
ment of 1802— A Schedule of all the rites knoivn, with the dates of their 
origin, &c. — " Tablet " exhibiting their origin, progress and termination — 
Opinions of the Authors concerning the Ancient and Accepted Rite — Its 
false pretensions to Antiquity exposed — Its Blasphemy noticed —Frederick 
of Prussia — The " Vera Instituta Secreta," or the Secret Constitutions 
— Recapitulation of the claims set up by this document, and their falsity 
exposed. Page 36. 



6 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER FOURTH. 

Progress op the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite — A difficulty with 
the Grand Lodge of South Carolina averted — Progress — Augustus Provost 
— Pierre le Barbier Plessis — Wm. Moore Smith — Moses Seixas — Moses 
Cohen — John Gabriel Tardy — Abraham Jacobs, his exploits in Savannah 
and other parts of Georgia — J. J. J. Gourgas — Registers — Count De 
Grasse — He goes to France, and establishes the Supreme Grand Council 
Thirty-third degree, Ancient and Accepted Rite, in Paris in 1804 — Quarrel 
thereupon between the Grand Orient and the Supreme Council of De Grasse 
— Particulars— The claims of both — The Charleston Council in 1802 — 
Sublime Lodge and Council of Savannah, Georgia — How — and by whom 
formed— Charleston Council 1813. Page 76. 



CHAPTER FIFTH. 

Progress of the " Rite of Perfection," or Ancient Scottish Rite of Heredom 
— Establishment of the " Sovereign Grand Consistory " in New York 
city in 1807 by Joseph Cerneau — Acknowledgment by the Supreme Coun- 
cil of France, 1813— Also by the Grand Orient of France, 1816— Title of 
the Consistory, and the name of the " Rite " practiced — Joseph Cerneau 
— His character — A Review of the charges brought against him — Narra- 
tive of Jeremy L. Cross — Abraham Jacobs — His Register and Diary in 
full — Particulars of his proceedings — Emanuel De La Motta comes from 
Charleston to New York — His pretended Consistory of 1806 — His own 
account of his proceedings — He erects a Supreme Council in New York in 
1813— He expels Joseph Cerneau, his" abettors and followers — Reply of the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory — Rejoinder of De La Motta — The end of the 
Supreme Council of De La Motta. - - - - , - Page 104. 



CHAPTER SIXTH. 

Further progress of the ''Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite of Heredom" — 
Establishment of a Consistory in Rhode Island, 1813 — Also a Consistory 
in Louisiana, 1813 — Concordat entered into between the Grand Lodge and 
Grand Consistory of Louisiana in 1833 — Establishment of a Consistory in 
the city of Charleston, South Carolina — Joseph McCosh — P. Javain — The 
controversy — Establishment of a Consistory in Pennsylvania — List of 
Deputy In4)ectors General — Also a list of Representatives. Page 165. 



CHAPTER SEVENTH. 

Further progress of the " Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite of Heredom " — 
From 1818 to 1828 — Disappearance of De La Motta — Gourgas Supreme 
Council — St. John's Hall — Henry Marsh — Edict concerning D'Glock 
d'Obernay — Withdrawal of J. Cerneau as Grand Commander, and becomes 



CONTENTS. 7 

" Honorary " in 1821— Succeeded by Hon. John W. Mulligan as Grand 
Commander 1822 — Seth Driggs appointed a Deputy Inspector General for 
the island of Trinidad— Hon. John W. Mulligan resigns in 1823, and is suc- 
ceeded by the Hon. Dewitt Clinton as Grand Commander — Edict issued 
denouncing the Supreme Council of South Carolina — List of Consistories — 
The Marquis de Lafayette arrives in the United States and is exalted to the 
Sublime degrees in 1824 — Charter granted by the Sovereign Grand Consis- 
tory for a Sovereign Chapter Kose Croix, by title " Lafayette " — List of 
OBEicers — Kichard S. Spofford, M. D., of Newburyport, Mass., exalted to 
the Thirty-third degree, and appointed Deputy Inspector General for the 
State of Mass. 1825 — In 1826, David Jewett, an Officer in the Brazilian 
service, appointed Deputy Inspector General for the Empire of Brazil — 
1827, Anti-Masonic excitement— 1828, death of Hon. Dewitt Clinton — 
Henry C. Atwood — Libels on Joesph Cerneau answered — Differences exam- 
ined between the Sovereign Grand Consistory of the " Ancient Constitutional 
Scottish Rite of Heredom," and the Supreme Council of (Charleston, of the 
" Ancient and Accepted Rite.'' Page 176. 



CHAPTER EIGHTH. 

Foundation in New York of the Ancient and Accepted Kite — 1827 — Anti- 
Masonic Excitement — William Morgan — David C. Miller — Convention of 
Seceding Masons — A Political move — Union of the two Grand Lodges of 
the State of New York — Effects of the storm — The exploit of J. J. J. 
Gourgas and the body at Charleston in 1828 — The establishment of the 
" United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere " in 1832 — Count 
St. Laurent — Proceedings of the Sovereign Grand Consistory — Proposition 
for a Union — Treaty between the Sovereign Grand Consistory and the 
Supreme Council for Terra Firma, South America, Mexico, &c. — Its Ratifi- 
cation — Treaty entered into with the Supreme Council for France, Supreme 
Council for Belgium, aud Supreme Council for Brazil, with the Constitu- 
tions of 1762, and the Secret Institutes of 1786 attached — Dissensions in 
the body — Lafayette Rose Croix Chapter — Henry Marsh, Henry C. Atwood, 
and Wm F. Piatt — List of officers of the United Supreme Council — Count 
St. Laurent returns to France — Ratification of the Treaty — Grand Lodge 
of the State of New York in 1837 — The Atwood difficulty — Particulars — 
Organization of St. John's Grand Lodge — Bodies chartered by that body — 
Henry C. Atwood — Correspondence of the Supreme Council of Brazil with 
the United Supreme Council — Dissolution of a branch of the United Su- 
preme Council in 1846 — The other branch of the Council takes its place 
and succeeds it — Supreme Council for Louisiana — James Foulhouze — Ex- 
tract from the Report to the Grand Orient of France — John Gedge — 
Albert G. Mackey — Grand Lodge of Louisiana — L. Ladebat's address — 
Dissensions in the Supreme Council for Louisiana — New Supreme Council 
formed there. The Consistory of J. Gedge. - - - Page 194. 



8 CONTENTS, 

CHAPTER NINTH. 

Farther progress of the " Ancient and Accepted Rite " — History of the Supreme 
Council for the United States of America, their Territories and Dependen- 
cies, resumed — Henry C. At wood — The New Council — how formed — and 
the reasons — List of its Officers — J. J. J. Gourgas — General Grand Chapter 
— C. C. Sebring — The Maiden Edict of the Gourgas Supreme Council — 
Convention at Chicago — Eev. Bro. Walker — Lodge of Perfection in New 
York under Gourgas — Re-organization of the Supreme Council under 
Jeremy L. Cross — The terms aud conditions — List of its Officers — The Edict 
and Appeal — Reply to a previous Edict, and also to the present one, by the 
(j^ourgas Council — Masonic publications — Edict by the Charleston Council, 
denying the authenticity of the Patent of Jeremy L. Cross — Copy of the 
Patent, with the attestation of one of the signers — Resignation of Jeremy 
L. Cross — Reasons — Re-organization and Installation by the Illustrious 
Brother James Foulhouze, Sovereign Grand Commander for Louisiana — 
List of Officers installed — Treaty between the Supreme Council for the 
United States and the Supreme Council for Louisiana — Leblanc de Marcon- 
nay — General Mosquera — Resignations — List of Officers in 1856 — Petitions 
for new bodies — Death of Illustrious Brother Henry C. Atwood — List of 
Officers in 1857 — Supreme Council for the State of Connecticut — bodiec 
under its jurisdiction— Supreme Council for the State of California — Sov^h- 
reign Grand Consistory for the State of New Jersey — Sovereign Gra^..d 
Consistory for the State of Massachusetts — History of the Gourgas Counul 
established in 1848 — Split — Raymond Council — Recapitulation — Sublime 
Lodge of Perfection at Albany, (New York) — Giles Fonda Yates — A re- 
view of his speech — facts stated — Conclusionof the work of the Sublime 
Lodge. • Page 2iS. 



CHAPTER TENTH. 

Statistic Account, denoting the formation and Progress of the M. P. and 
Sovereign Grand Consistory of the Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry, and 
of the Supreme Grand- Council of the Thirty-third degree. Page 287. 



CHAPTER ELEVENTH. 

An Epitome of Events and Occurrences, directly or indirectly connected with 
the "EzYe"— very full, and extending from the year 1700 to the year 
1862. - PageS05. 



CHAPTER TWELFTH. 

Conclusion. The Author's Opinions— Explanation of Plate 2 and 3— Re- 
marks addressed to the Fraternity. . - \ - - Page 324. 






'•<^,}---« 



SCOTTISH EITE 

ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED 



SCOTTISH RITE, 

ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED 



CHAPTER FIRST. 



IntPwOduction. — Explanation of the nature of the History.*— Plaj? 

OF THE WORK. — »AuTH0R3 REFERRED TO.-— ReMARKS. 

The Author, in presenting the following History to the 
Masonic fraternity, proposes to give a succinct account of 
what is known among them as the ^^ High Degrees/' so far as 
that history may be connected with their introduction into 
this country, and their progress, up to the present time. 

His connection with, the Supreme CouBcil has been a long 
one, and during the time in which he was called upon to offici- 
ate as Secretary General of the body, the request was made, 
that he should prepare a history of the same. In accordance 
with that request, the work was commenced in 1853, and was 
carried on through a period of two or more yearSj during 
which time, all the printed documents and manuscripts accom- 
panying the history, were collected from the hands of scatter- 
ed members, together with translations from French and Ger- 
man Authors who had written upon the subject. The collation 
of the same w^as commenced at a time when Party Spirit ran 
high among the fraternity, and in the report which was then 
written and delivered to the Council, much matter found it^^ 
way, wnica, at the present time would be deemed objectioruv 
ble, and entirely out of place. 

Having been subsequently called upon by the Latomia So- 



ciety of Atlantic Lodge, of which he is a member, to read 
the Report before them, he undertook to remove from it all 
objectionable featiires, and place it in the form of a series of 
Lcctm-es, which were delivered before the Society daring the 
winter of I860. The favor with which the Lectures wer(j 
received,' and the expressed' wish of the Society that they 
should be published, have led him to re-wi*ite the Lectures' in 
the fornt of a History, in which shape it now appears. And 
it is hoped, that while it will throw some light upon many 
parts of the subject which have been hitherto dark, it will- 
also answer another very important objeet to the Fraternity ,- 
viz,, it will bring to light many documents which have been> 
generally unknown, will place in their hands many others 
which are Bot to be found at the present time*, being out of 
print, and preserve the whole in the form of a ''hand hook^^ 
for future reference. 

In collecting materials for the' History of the Subline de- 
grees, he has sought to avail himself of every source of authen-- 
tic, and valuable information, applicable to his design of ma- 
king the work both interesting and useful. How far these 
endeavors may have been successful, must be submitted to the 
deliberate consideration of the reader. In justice to himself 
he can truly say, tliat he &as avoided e?o reasonable labor to 
make the publication worthy the approbation of the Frater- 
nity, although he has fallen far short of satisfying himself, or 
of accomplishing all tMt he had anticipated at its commence- 
ment. His principal aim has been throughout, t€^ present a; 
brief, yet correct account of such matters in relation to the 
Sublime degrees, as he conceived best worthy of preserving,- 
and most likely to prove a repository of valuable historical 
and statistical information. He is however constrained to ac- 
knowledge that, bad he, in the commeneement^ been able' to 
realize in any considerable degree', the labor he was aboiit to 
assume, and the obstacles he encountered in his progress,, he 
would have been almost deterred from th-e undertaking. The 
peculiar condition and deficiency of many records, and the 
difficulty in obtaining those in possession of other persons, are 
two of the obstacles- among those to which he alludes 



INTRODUCTIO^" 13 

It would be proper here to state, that the degrees, to which 
this history relates, have no conQectiGn whatever with what is 
known as ^\Ancient Craft Masonry ^^ whether derived from 
York, in England, or Kilwinning, in Scotland. That system 
consists of the first three degrees of Masonry, known as the 
Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason. 
with the appendage of what is now termed " the Royal JirchP^ 
These degrees form a system withia themselves, complete in 
all its parts, are of great antiquity, having beccmo hoary with 
age many centuries before the high degrees came into being. 
This simple system is, in fact, the basis of all other Masonic 
degrees, by whatever name they may be called- 

This is the system which has been received and practiced 
.upon in this Country, from the year 1730 up to 1800, at which 
time it took to itself a new form. Hitherto the Eoyal Arcli 
degree was conferred in Blue Lodges, under the appellation of 
a " Chapter ^^^ and the Mark degree was conferred in " Mark 
Lodges" which were distinct bodies. But when the work of 
the three first degrees had at that time become systematized, 
and placed in the form of " Lectures,'^'' the same sett of men 
were requested to revise degrees for the Chapter, and place 
them also in form. They accordingly met, took the Mark 
degree for the commencement, added the Past Master as the 
fifth, displaced a portion of the Royal Arch, and called it the 
" Most Excellent Master," and finished with the Royal Arch. 
These four degrees then became a system, and, with the first 
three degrees being added, form Seven, as the received system 
in this Country, styled, '^Ancient Craft Masonry." The degrees 
of Royal and Select Master, are still kept separate, although, 
strictly speaking, the system without them is incomplete. 

Subsequently, in 1811, the Orders of Knighthood were 
systematized and introduced. There had been, as early as 
1790 to 1795, Encampments of Knights Templar, but the 
bodies of that name conferred but one degree. Nor was it 
necessary for a man to be a Mason, in order to be entitled to 
it. The degree, then, had notliing to do Avith Masonry. But 
about this time the system was organized by a body of the 
Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite, Thej made the ''Knight 



14 sconisn kite, ancient and accepted. 

of the Red Cross,''^ which is synonyrn'ous with ^^ Knight of the 
East " and " Prince of Jerusalem,^^ the first ; the " Knight 
TVm^Zar," which is synonymous with the ^^ Rose Croix ^^ and 
" Kadosh/' the second ; the " Knight of Malta " or " St. John 
of Jerusalem " (a detached degree), the third ; the " Knight of 
the Christian Mark/^ the fourth ; and " Knight of the Holy' 
Sepulchre,^^ the fifth and last. These were embodied as En- 
campment degrees, and were conferred at that time according 
to the ritual of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, from 
v»^hich the principal degrees were derived. The lecturers, 
liowever, soon took them in hand, shaped them according to 
their views, adopted a system of Lectures, and by the year 
1816 they were' adopted, and placed where they now stand ; a 
General Grand Encampment was formed, and they virtually 
became part and parcel of Ancient Craft Masonry. This is 
the system adopted in this Country as legitimate Ancient Craft 
Masonry, and, as a natural ^consequence, no other system is 
sought after. 

It is not, however, known or practiced in England, Scotland, 
or Ireland. In all those countries they practice the first three 
degrees like ourselves, follow them with the Royal Arch, as of 
old, while the Templars' degree is altogether a separate matter. 
The Past Master's degree remains in the Blue Lodge, where it 
belongs ; and the Mark degree is conferred as a side degree 
pertaining to the Fellow Craft. 

Europe differs from us altogether, many portions of it, as 
well as South America and the islands, adopting the Ancient 
and Accepted Scottish Rite. Like us, they begin with the first 
three degrees, after which comes in thirty degrees, beginning 
with the Fourth, or Secret Master, and terminating .with the 
Thirty-third. While they leave out the Chapter and Encamp- 
ment degrees (as known in the system which we now practice), 
they give the same degrees in another form and name, and 
with many additions and extensions. Thus the Royal Arch 
degree is synonymous with the Thirteenth and Fourteenth, the 
''Red Cross '' with the Fifteenth and Sixteenth, the " Templar " 
with the Eighteenth and Thirtieth, while the remaining degrees 
are all of them disconnected. In France they have condensed 



INTRODUCTION, 15 

the first eighteen degrees into seven, the Rose Croix bekig the 
Seventh, and it is now known all over the world as the 
*' Modern French Rife.^^ 

Perhaps this short sketch will show to the American Mason, 
the reason Tvhy so many foreign Masons are turned from the 
door of the 'Lodge when they apply for admission, on the 
ground that they are " Modern,^' or " Spuriousy They have all 
received the same thing, and in a manner quite as legitimate, 
but they have received them in a form differing somewhat from 
our own. 

This system, then, viz., the Ancient and Accepted Scottish 
Rite, is the one of which this book purports to be a short 
history. It has been known under various names, as the 
" Lieffable,^^ the " SuUime,^^ the " Exalted or High degrees,^^ the 
''Philosophical,^' the " Scottish System/' the " Rite of Perfection,'' 
the ''Right of Heredom of Kilwinning," and the " Jincient and 
Accepted Scottish Rite," now comprising thirty degrees in num- 
ber, beginning with the Fourth, or Secret Master, and termi- 
nating with the Thirty- third, or Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General, — the members of the last named degree constituting 
a Supreme Grand Council, which is the absolute ruler or gov- 
erning power of the Rite. 

This system has made its way to this Country, and is now 
firmly established among us. Until of late, its progress has 
been varied — sometimes being in a thriving condition, in 
certain locations, and sometimes being almost extinct. But 
Avithin a few years it has lifted up its head. It is established 
in South Carolina, Louisiana, New York, Massachusetts, Con- 
necticut, New Jersey, Ohio and Illinois, and bids fair to bo 
established in every State in the Union. It is to be regretted 
that, from its very commencement, its progress in this Countr}^ 
as well as in other lands, has been marked with bitter conten- 
tions and constant quarrels, for the simple reason that, hitherto, 
one system has been antagonistic to the other, by which botli 
Iiave become mixed and confused. 

In all these difficulties Masons of every degree have taken 
an active part. And it is lamentable, now, to look back and 
witness the manv serious mistakes which have been made fron 



Ifi SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

a mere want of knowledge concerning the history and events 
connected with the Rite. It is that which has led the author 
to a very close and careful examination of the subject, produc- 
ing in the end this history, which he offers for your encourage^ 
ment. Every Master Mason needs the information which it 
contains ; and it is intended for such, as well as for members 
of the High degrees. 

While the bodies working in Ancient Craft Masonry have 
the simple appellation of Lodges, those under this rite claim a 
greater antiquity, a purer ritual, and, above all, a controlling 
power — styling their bodies Chapters, Colleges, Areopagi, 
Consistories and Councils. They have made strong and long 
continued efforts to remove the ancient landmarks, that they 
might, if possible, supersede the old system, and replace it 
with the new. 

One party has claimed that the whole system is a ^Continua- 
tion " of Ancient Craft Masonry, as so many links in a chain, 
reaching from the bottom to the top of the edifice, one link of 
which being wanting, the whole would be useless and come to 
nothing — by such assertions deceiving the members of Ancient 
Craft Masonry into the belief that, their initiation into the 
High degrees was a necessity, if they desired to complete their 
Masonic education. 

Another party has been equally earnest in contending for the 
precedence of the Ancient and accepted Scottish Rite over the 
York Rite, and have endeavored to establish and constitute 
Symbolic Lodges of their own, with what they call a '' purer 
rite,^' thus superseding, or conflicting with the York bodies and 
the Grand Lodges from which they derive. 

While another party, which includes a large portion of th^ 
Fraternity, have discarded the Rite altogether. They have 
been educated in, and have lived under, the Ancient York Rite. 
They are satisfied with its teachings, usages, government, &c., 
and are quite unwilling to relinquish a system so generally 
received and practiced, for another of such questionable 
authority, and of which they know nothing. 

These controversies have been a source of annoyance and 
trouble, from the very commencement of the organization. 



INTKODUCTION. 17 

They have been produced, in a great measure, by designing 
men, who have been so industrious and energetic, that they 
have succeeded, in numerous instances, in deceiving well-mean- 
ing brethren, who would not take the pains to inform themselves 
upon the subject. The exhibition of documents perfectly 
authentic, the respectability of members, the acknowledgment 
and correspondence of foreign and distant Councils, the testi- 
monials of ancient and younger members, and the records of 
the past, all seem to have lost their weight and influence ; and 
they have appeared in most instances to be ready to place 
implicit confidence in the statement and assertions of men, no 
matter how monstrous their pretensions, rather than examine 
the evidence which has been at all times open to their inspec- 
tion, and allow the simple truth to have its proper weight. 

It is for the purpose of imparting information, having a 
bearing upon these points, that this history is written, accom- 
panied with all the documents that could be obtained. Its 
plan will be very simple and easily understood, because it will 
be a relation of facts as they occurred. It will take up the 
degrees at their commencement in Europe, show the power as 
given to' Stephen Morin, the first Inspector for ^'foreign parts " 
initiated and appointed under this system, follow him from 
Paris to St. Domingo, and trace and designate his successors 
to the United States. It will give the particulars concerning 
the founding of the Supreme Council at Charleston, follow the 
emissary of that Council to Paris again, where a similar body 
is formed by him as a rival to the Grand Orient of France. 
Returning from St. Domingo, it will follow Joseph Cerneau, 
a successor of Morin, from thence to New York, and give the 
particulars connected with the founding of a Sovereign Grand 
Consistory of the Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite of 
Heredom — having a Supreme Council in its bosom — trace its 
progress from the commencement to the end. Next, the United 
Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere (Ancient and 
Accepted Rite) ] and last, the Supreme Councils of 1846 and 
1848, up to the present day. 

In completing the European portions of the history, very 



18 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED 

copious and full extracts have been given from the following 
French authors, viz. : 

Thory. — Acta Latamorum. 

Rag07i. — Orthodox Ma^onnique. 

Clavel. — Hist. Pitt, de la Franc Ma9. 

Kaufman and Cherpin. — Hist. Pbilos. de la Franc Mag. 

Rebold. — Hist. Gen. de la Franc Mac. 

Besuchet. — Precis Hist, de la Franc Mag. 

Levique. — Apergu General, &Q. 

Vassal. — Essai, &c. 

Vidal Fezendie. — Essai Hist, sur la Franc Mac. 

Chemin Duponfes. — Cours Pratique de Franc Mag. 

Boubee. — Etudes sur la Franc Mag. 

Bohrik des Etanges, and others. Also — 

Recuiel des Actes du Sup. Conseil de France. 

Report of Leblanc de Marconnay ; translated by Ladebat. 

And last, not least, a work written by Messrs. Lamarre and 
Ladebat^ of New Orleans. The authors of which have shown a 
depth of research, and a patience of labor, which is worthy of 
all praise. And, although the author cannot agree with them 
in many of their inferences, and would not attempt to examine 
into, or decide upon, the merits of the case which they attempt 
to plead, yet he is constrained to offer to them his thanks for 
the important facts which the production of their work has 
brought to light. 

That portion of the history connected with our own country, 
is derived from the records of the Sovereign Grand Consistory; 
from the Hon. John W. Mulligan, First Grand Commander 
of the Order, succeeding Joseph Cerneau ; from the register 
and papers of the late D. L. M. Peixotto ; from documents 
in possession of E. M. Spofford, M. D., Newburyport, Mass. ; 
from Seth Driggs, Esq. ; from the late Francis Dubuar, late 
Lewis Timolat, James Herring, Esq., and others. Some of 
the brethren above mentioned have died since the history was 
commenced. To those who are living, the author would return 
his thanks for the many acts of kindness he has received at 
their hands, while engaged in this work. 

The author will have occasion to say something in the 



INTKODUCTION. 19 

history eoncerniug that sect of people denominated Israelites 
or Jews, partly in the way of qnotations from different authors, 
and partly on his own responsibility. As far as it regards the 
quotations, lie can only say that, he feels himself obliged to 
give the words of others precisely as they are written, if he 
gives them at all, and, of course, is not accountable for the 
sentiments which they entertain. But as far as he is individu- 
ally concerned, he would say that, he does not make use of the 
term " Jew " in derision, as some no doubt will suppose, but 
simply as a matter of justice to the degrees denominated the 
" Exalted or Sublime,^' numbering from the Seventeenth to the 
Thirty-third, inclusive. 

These degrees, or at least some of them, are founded upon, 
and promulgate the peculiar doctrines of Christianity, more 
especially the Divinity, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of 
the Messiah, our common Lord. The right of possession to all 
the degrees of Masonry, up to the Sixteenth of the Ancient 
and Accepted Rite, is claimed by all sects of people alike, 
because they are not based upon, and have no direct allusion 
to these doctrines. But the Statutes of the Order, as well as 
the moral sense of the members of the institution, require that 
a Jew should go no further in these mysteries, because he is 
not a believer in the doctrines which they assume to teach. It 
is most true, that the degrees spoken of, have been altered, 
interpolated, remodelled, and reconstructed in such a way as to 
accommodate themselves to the feelings of all concerned. It 
is true that, the opposers of these doctrines have put out of the 
way, the plainest and most impressive emblems, and, at the 
same time, have so covered up and mystified with science and 
philosophy, falsely so called, those symbols and emblems which 
they have suffered to remain, tliat it would noAv puzzle a wise 
man to find out, by careful study and deep investigation, what, 
if any, meaning attached to them. But with these degrees, so 
remodelled, we have nothing to do. The Sovereign Grand 
Consistory rejected them altogether, — taking its stand on the 
original or ancient ground (if any such ground there be), and 
issued the following edict, under date of November llthj 



5>0 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

" The Sovereign Grand Consistory Laving heard read a communication 
from our Representative for the State of South Carolina (Charleston) 
respecting the pretended Grand Council in the said State, and, having 
seriously deliberated on the same, has felt it a duty, thus promptly and 
expressly to caution all Councils and Chapters deriving their authority 
from under this Sovereign Grand Consistory, against having any connec- 
tion, or holding correspondence with any Councils or Chapters, or with 
any person or persons professing to be member or members of any Coun- 
cil or Chapter, located in the United States of America or elsewhere, 
particularly with certain * Societies ' under the assumed title of ' Kadosh,' 
whose members are unworthy of possessing the Sublime degrees of Philo- 
sophic Masonry, which are founded on the Christian Religion, to which 
they are enemies in principles, and not recognized by this Sovereign Grand 
Consistory ; all and every such Chapter being Spurious and Irregular, and 
their members * Imposters,' " &c. 

There is connected with this history a statistic account of 
the SoYereign Grand Consistory and Supreme Grand Council, 
from its commencement up to the present time. This account 
is an alDstract from the records of the Consistory, from the 
documents issued, from the documents in possession of many 
of the old members of the body, and from such other sources 
as have been presented to him by those surviving members of 
the old Council, — all of which are authentic and indisputable. 
He has endeavored to produce the simple facts as they stand 
recorded, and it is hoped they will be fairly examined. He 
has also given the documents in full, which have been issued 
by the opposers of the old Council and the present one, in 
order, not only to avoid the imputation of partial dealing, but 
also to give a fair opportunity to all concerned, that they may 
form correct opinions, as it regards the much abused Sovereign 
Grand Consistory and Supreme Council established by the 
" Peddling Jeweller, Joseph CerneauP If the history herewith 
submitted shall have the eifect of enlightening those who are 
in darkness, concerning the regularity of the Council, or of 
removing the prejudices of those who have, hitherto, conscien- 
tiously believed that the " Cerneau Council " was in the wrong, 
the desire of the writer will be gained. He is perfectly willing 
to leave the matter therCp 



CHAPTER SECOND. 

OKlGI^j^" AND PROGKESS 0^ THE RITE OF PERFECTION. 

The doctrine of " Derivation " advocated as the basis of all " legal Masonic 
bodies " — Formation of the Grand Lodge of France " — Introduction of new 
degrees into the system of Masonry— Council of the Emperors of the East 
and West — "Lacorne Grand Lodge " — Rite of Perfection—The Council in 
tvhich it is practiced, unites with the Grand Lodge of France— Union of 
the Grand Lodge of France With the Grand Orient — Grand Chapter Gen- 
eral of France unites with the Grand Orient — Nature of the Grand Orient 
of France — " Tablet," showing the progress of the Rite — 1761 — Stephen 
IkloRiN — His Patent, or Power — Controversy between the Grand Orient 
and the Supreme Council of France concerning the rights of the Grand 
Orient — St. Domingo — Stephen Morin's Patent annulled in 1766 — Estab- 
lishment of the Supreme Council of Charleston, May 31st, 1801 — They 
adopt a " new rite,^^ and issue a Circular in 1802. 

In order to arrive at a proper understanding, and 'to form 
just conclusions upon the subjects which are intended to be set 
forth in this history, it is highly uecessary to know from whence 
these degrees are derived, as well as the manner in which they 
have come to us. 

All known ^Masonic bodies which are, in reality, regularly 
constituted, derive their power for the performance of Masonic 
work, the conferring of degrees, <fec., from a regular head. In 
tlie case of Symbolic Lodges, the power in the present day is 
derived from a Grand Lodge. The same rule is obseiTcd in 
the case of Royal Arch Chapters and Encampments of Knights 
Templar. Although the bodies working under the Ancient 
and Accepted Rite are looked upon in this country as irregular, 
yet-they are not so esteemed in many other parts of the globe. 
The same care and caution which is manifested here concerning 
tlie Lodges, Chapters and Encampments under the English or 
York Rite, are manifested abroad in regard to the correctness 
and purity of the subordinate bodies under the Ancient and 
Accepted Rite. They have a regularly organized and acknow- 
ledged head, from which they derive their power, and arc con- 



22 RITE OF PERFECTIOX. 

staiitly under inspection, quite as rigid as is to be found here;' 
And it is proper to remark that, while the York Rite and the 
York formula are only exclusive^ or the acknowledged and 
established system of Great Britain and the United States, the 
Ancient and Accepted Eite is acknowledged, and prevails in 
France, Switzerland, and many other States on the Continent, 
as well as the Islands and South America. And while we can 
easily and correctly trace the origin and the head of the York 
Rite to Great Britain, from whence ail true Masonic power in 
that rite is, directly or indirectly, derived, so can we, with equal 
ease and certainty, trace to France, and to France alone, the 
origin of the so-named Ancient and Accepted Rite, and prove 
her to be the sole and true depository for power, &c., at the 
present day. And this is the first point which will be attempted 
in this history, 

I shall commence by giving an extract from a report made 
to the Chamber of Council and Appeals of the Grand Orient, 
by its Orator, in 1853, which embraces this point fully. It is 
there stated as follows : 

"In the year 1700 of the Christian Era, Masonry, in any of its rites or 
degrees, was neither known or practiced in France. The first Lodge known 
there w^as constituted in 1725, by the Grand Lodge of England^ in the York 
Rite. There was subsequently a Grand Lodge formed there, and which bore 
the title of the 'English Grand Lodge of France,' until the year 1756 ; but 
in the course of this year, it took the title of ' Grand Loge du Koyaume,' or 
Grand Lodge of the Kingdom. Up to this period of time. Masonry practiced 
but three degrees, viz., the Apprentice, the Companion, and the Master, acd 
were called Symbolic." 

Thory, Acta Lat,, page 88, says : 

'' The Count of Clermont was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of 
France when it was the English Grand Lodge^ holding and working under a 
charter from the Grand Lodge of England. It was exclusively a Symbolic 
Grand Lodge. Under that charter, and by that name, it worked from 1743 
to 1756. Then it declared itself independent, as the Grand Lodge of France." 

"It was about this time that the Ineffiible degrees were introduced into 
Masonry. They were not practiced by the Grand Lodge, but by an authority 
named tlie Sovereign or Supreme Council of the Emperors of the East and 
West, and had no more than twenty-five degrees, counting from the First, 
or Apprentice's degree ; and the Twenty-fifth, or last, was termed ' Sublime 
Prince of the Royal Secret,' " [See Nomenclature, Appendix, Doc, L] 



SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 23 

" This ancient Council had its chamber in the old Grand Lodge of France, 
and both the Grand Lodge and the Council were under the direction of the 
same Grand Master, Count de Clermont, Prince of the Royal Blood, and also 
of the same representative or Substitute of the Grand Master, Challon de 
Joinville. This Council of the Emperors of the East and West was formed 
in 1754, by the Chevalier de Bonnville, from the ruins of the ' Chapter of 
Clermont.' " 

This position, however, is denied by some of the authors who 
have written upon the subject. . Besiichet, Precis Historique do 
la Franc Ma?., vol 1, page 33, says : 

" In 1744 the* Count of Clermont left the Lodges to take care of themselves, 
and appointed, first, Baure, a banker, and afterwards Lacorne, a dancing- 
master, his special deputy, thus putting the whole Order in his hands. Disor- 
ders of every kind invaded Masonry : charters became merchandize ; new 
degrees swarmed like flies ; restaurateurs bought masterships for life, and every- 
body sold degrees. The followers of Charles Edward Stuart, the son of the 
Pretender, opened Lodges without authority, and he himself chartered a Chap- 
ter of Rose Croix at Arras, in 1747. The Charter is given in full in !e Globe. 
vol. 4, page 84 ; and by Ragon, page 121 ; Clavel, page 167, who says thai 
this was the first Chapter, or centre of administration of the high degrees, in 
France, and that the second was established by a travelling Scotchman, at 
Marseilles, in 1751. In 1761 Lacorne, the dancing master, special deputy of 
the Grand Master, and as such, real head of the Order, enraged because the 
Grand Lodge refused to recognize him, and its members to sit with him, estab- 
lished a new Gh-and Lodge. Both Grand Lodges granted charters, and the 
Council of the Emperors of the East and West constituted at Paris, and 
throughout France, Lodges and Chapters. The old Grand Lodge denounced 
the ^faction Lacorne,'' which, nevertheless, continued to thrive.'' — Leveque, 
Thory, Klos, and others. [See Appendage to Document l.J 

By these authors it would appear that the Council of Empe- 
rors of the East and West, instead of having its Chamber m 
the old Grand Lodge, had constituted a Grand Lodge of its 
own, which was a rival body to the old or genuine Grand 
Lodge. But be this as it may, it will not alter the fact of the 
existence of the Council at that date, governed by the Count 
of Clermont, according to its documents. But we proceed 
with the report : 

" In 1766, the Council of the Emperors of the East and West had branched 
itself off; in order to form a Council of * Knights of the East.' These two 
authorities soon after became extinct, with the exception of such part of them 
as united with the M. W. Grand Lodge of France. In 1772, the Council of 



24 KITE OF PERFECTIOiS". 

the Emperors of the East and West, united itself with the Grand Lodge of 
France (in which body it had always before its chamber), and they became one 
body,— controlling the Eite of 'Perfection from the First to the Twenty-fifth 
degree. [Document No. 2, Appendix.] 

" By a perusal of these documents, it will be clearly seen that all legislative 
power and authority over all the Masonic degrees then known and practiced in 
France, and the fulness of all Masonic knowledge, centred in the Grand Lodge 
of France ; and that there was no other head or central point, known or acknow- 
ledged, from which power could be derived, viz., 1772. 

" This Grand Lodge of France^ in its turn, united with the Grand Orient 
of France by treaty, in 1786, and also renewed in 1799, rehnquishing all its 
power to that body. And from the broken remains of the ancient Council of 
the Emperors of the East and West, and of the Council of Knights of the 
East, there arose in 1784, with the assistance of many brethren of those high 
degrees and officers of the Grand Lodge of France, a ' Grand Chapter General' 
of France, which, in its turn, became united with the Grand Orient of France 
by treaty of 27th February, 1786." [Appendix, Doc. No. 3,] 

By the author just quoted, it will be seen that the CouticU 
of the Emperors of the East and West was formed in 1754, by 
the Chevalier de Bonneville, from the ruins of the Chapter of 
Clermont. How long that Chapter had its existence previous 
to the year 1754, the record does not state, nor is it a matter 
of much consequencCj as the object is, to trace the progress of 
the Exalted degrees to this country, and the peculiar circum- 
stances attending them. But it is very evident that the Chap- 
ter of Clermont could not have been in existence before 1745, 
and perhaps not so early as that by five years, inasmuch as the 
Royal Arch degree made its first appearance in the world about 
that time, and the one is a perfect counterpart of the other — * 
altered, of course, to suit the occasion. Moreover, we have 
the direct assertion from the Grand Lodge herself, based upon 
her records — " That Masonry was altogether unknown in 
France, in any of its degrees or rites, in the year 1700 ; that 
the first Lodge was formed in 1725, and, up to 1756, practiced 
but three degrees, which were called Symbolic, and that it was 
about this time that the Ineffable degrees were introduced into 
Masonry." 

Tliere are those who believe that Kilwinning, in Scotland, 

« Counting the Thirtceuth and Fourteenth degrees, Rite of Perfection. 



SCOTTISH RITE, AXCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 23 

was the original source from whence these degrees came ; but 
if we are to believe the records of history, it would appear 
that, in the Eighteenth Century, as late as 1740, it is expressly 
stated by Masonic authors, that nothing was acknowledged for 
genuine Masonry, either in Scotland or England, but the three 
degrees. ^^ That some years after this (between 1750 and 
1760), when the new degrees were imported from France, no 
man could pretend that he understood the true meaning of 
their origin, history, &c., and that all saw that the interpreta- 
tion of their hieroglyphics and the rituals of these new degrees 
were quite gratuitous.'' That on the arrival of deputations in 
London, whose object it was to inquire there concerning these 
new degrees, they received the reply, that they knew nothing 
about them. Disappointed and chagrined, they turned their 
faces toward Scotland, and at Aberdeen they found the Free 
Masons quite as ignorant as those in London, and Avere referred 
back to London for further information. 

But in 1802 this point was settled by an official communica- 
tion made by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and entered on 
her minutes as follows : 

" 1802.— This year a circular letter was received from a body styling itself 
* tlie Supreme Grand Council of America' The spirit of the Illurainati which 
it breathed, and the supernumerary degrees, amounting to about fifty, which it 
authorized, were sufficient reasons for drawing down the contempt of Scottish 
Masons, whose honor it is to have preserved Masonry for many centuries in its 
original and simple form, and whose pride it shall ever be, to transmit to the 
latest posterity, the principles and ceremonies of their Order unpolluted and 
unimpaired." See Lawrie's History of Free Masonry : Dublin edition, 1808. 

The allusion made here by the Grand Lodge of Scotland to 
a circular ktter, is tlie celebrated document published by the 
Supreme Council of Charleston, South Carolina, which will 
be produced in its proper place. It was largely circulated, 
and has served the various bodies as authority for many of the 
monstrous doctrines which prevail. [Doc. No. 7.] 

Perhaps a word here in explanation, concerning the Grand 
Orient of France, may be acceptable, as there may be some 
who do not rightly understand how the body is constituted. 
They suppose it to be a working body in the way of conferring 
degrees, &c. — the highest body in Masonry known in France, 



£g RITE OF PERFECTION 

and a body within itself, exclusive of any other. The reverse, 
however, in some respects, is the case. 

The meaning of the word Orient is East, and in Masonry 
simply denotes, the place of power. Thus, a Grand Lodge is 
called a Grand East of all subordinate Lodges within a State. 
The same remark will apply to Grand Chapters and Encamp- 
ments ; they are Grand Orients or Easts for their several sub- 
ordinate bodies. But the Grand Orient of France is somewhat 
different, inasmucli as it is the centre of all Masonic power, of 
whatever kind, because it is formed by Lodges of all rites, by 
Chapters, by Colleges, &c., and, in fact, has gathered together 
and embraces within itself all the Masonic rites of France. 
This point, of course, is disputed by her opposers, but w^e shall 
have occasion to refer to it again in its proper place. 

With the exception of having a Supreme Council of the 
Thirty- third degree within itself, it is not a body conferring 
degrees ; but in the same sense that the Grand Lodge is the 
controlling and governing power of all subordinate Lodges 
under her jurisdiction, so precisely is the Grand Orient or East 
of France the controlling and governing power of all subordi- 
nate Masonic bodies, of whatever kind, in France. Hence she 
has her " Chamber of Rites ^^^ to w^hich all applications for war- 
rants are referred, whether York, Scottish, Philosophic, French 
or Modern ; her Chamber of Council and Appeal, Legislative 
Chamber, Chamber of Reception, Finance, Officers of State, 
<fec., &c., and is in fact " the Government.''^ Neither the Grand 
Lodge of France, or the Council of the Emperors, or other 
Masonic governments, grant any more charters in their respect- 
ive names, but all are derived from the Grand Orient — they 
stand in her name and are under her control. There is, how- 
ever, at this time, and has been from the year 1804, a Supreme 
Council of the Thirty-third, Ancient and Accepted Scottish 
Rite, in Paris, which is also an East, and is tolerated by the 
Grand Orient. They move on in harmony together. This 
Supreme Council, together with the outlines of its controversy 
with the Grand Orient, w^ill be noticed in its proper place. 

And now to resume the history. The record goes on to 
State : 



^ I 



7^^ 



AD. 1700 . Masonry totally unkaowrL in Franee. 



First Lodge, 
at Paris. 

1725 



Chapter of 

Clermoivl 

a^ou/t/1734 



Grand lodge 

of 
Franc&. 



Council/ of 

Emp*>'^of they 

F'ast&'West 
1756 



C L. of ih& 
mnqdoi 
1756 



nrv. 



"^meticed/the 
Symbolic 
\^£^rees only. 



3^ Uniorv 
Underboh to compete tt/ith 

' oppose the Grand 
\L od^e^ thelSngdoirv. 





I\iiights^ 
of the 
Fast. 



251). 



ea,9. 



'9' 



Fmperors 
ofth& 
\Eastd West. 



SubhmsScotoh 
*Mother-Lodg^ 



1760 



Wegreesof 
"^erfeetioiy. " 



General Grand 
Chapte^r of 

Franeey. 
1764 



GratidbOnent ofFranct 
1766 & 1799 




JYbt acknOi 
thsG.'0..t)wf>tOi 



jIU Oie JUasonic heads 

of Easts ofFratvee wiite 

(tfonrv tJie Gr Orient, - 

K/hich jww^controts ail Wt^^nHnu^s-ineaistence^ 

rites of u/luite t/erMad. ' ^ tfw preservttirne. 

Plate 1. 



Sup.: Cbundl35 

^n&. :^^cc. . S.R. 

1^04 & 1611 



BCOTTISH ^ITE, ANCIENT ANt) ACCEPTED. 27 

'• In consequence of these acts, the Grand Orient of France has thus gath» 
ered in its hands all the powers of these several authorities. It has thus become 
the laole legitimate possessor, and the mediate successor to the founders of the 
Rite of Ferfedion^ of the Consistorij of ike Princes of the Royal Secret, and of 
all ("ie Scottish System, Ancient and Accepted, which was practiced, not only ia 
the Councils of the Emperors of the East and "West, but also in the Scottish 
Coiisistories of Bordeaux, known under the title of Sublime Scotch Mother 
Lodge. Added to these, the Grand Orient controls the Ancient and Accepted 
Scottish Eite. This position she claims to occupy at th^ present day." 

Ragon, Orthodox Mac., says ; 

"1786 — February 27tk — The Grand Chapter General of France united 
wi:h the Grand Orient of France by treaty, by which it will be perceived that 
the Grand Orient has thus gathered in its hands, all the powers of these several 
authorities, and 1ms thus betjome the sole possessor, and the mediate successor, 
to the founders of the Rite of Perfection, of the Consistory of Princes of the 
Koyal Secret, and of all the Scottish System, Ancient and Accepted, which 
was practiced, not only in the Council of the Emperors of the East and West, 
but also in the Scotch Consistory of Bordeaux, known under the title of Sub" 
(wie Scotch Mother Lodged 

Accompanying tlii& statement^ the author has prepared a 
tablet, which will give at a glance the commencement and 
progress of this rite in France, up to the year 1800, and with- 
out which the mind would naturally become confused, as the 
subject is somewhat intricate at first sight. As a reason for 
being thus particular here, he would state that, he wishes to 
show the commencement and the regular succession of Masonic 
power in France — that, what the Grand Lodge of France was 
in 1761, containing the Council of the Emperors of the East 
and West in her bosom, and thus was the Grand East of all 
rites, so is tlie Grand Orient now, having gathered together 
and consolidated all those rites in herself, and so continues to 
be the sole East at the present day. [See Plate.] 

We will now proceed with the report : 

" The Ancient and Accepted Eite is nothing else than a modification of the 
' J^ite of Perfection, which was practiced in the ancient Councils of the Emper- 
ors of the East and West, in the bosom of the Grand Lodge of France. It 
had then but twenty-five degrees, and was given to the Jew, Stephen Moriri) 
previous to his leaving France for St. Domingo, in 1761. We attach herewith, 
a full and perfect copy of the Patent and power given to him, together with a 
correct list of the degrees. And it will be found that the title of ' Grand 



28 Jf^ITE GP PE^ECTION'. 

Inspector- ' is given to him in his Patent j but it should be remembered, that ttiis^ 
title is not a ^Masonic degree' (as has been vainly supposed by many), but a? 
function or title alone, and is still bestowed at this day on brethren commis- 
sioned to examine the work of Lodges, in ordfer to report rapon their regularity 
a;nd propriety. '^ [See Appendix, Doc. No='4.] 

There is also given a copy from' Ragon. As some have felt 
inclined' to dispute about the wording of the Patents, they are 
given, that tlie reader may judge for himselL The substance 
and signatures are the same in all. 

The opponei^ts of the Grand Orient, reason about Morin's 
Patent in the following manner. They say ^ 

" The Count of Clermont vs'as elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of 
France when it v^as the E-nglish Grand Lodge, holding and working from a 
charter ulider the Grand Lodge of England. It was exclusively a Symbolic 
Grand Lodge. Under that charter, and by that name, it worked from 1743 
to 1756. Then it declared itself independent, as the Grand Lodge of France. 
When it first received its charter from England, it adopted regijlations which 
denounced and disowned all the Scottish degrees. It did not change the regu- 
lations when it became independent. When the Gravid Lodge of Lacorne was 
united with it, it sefems for a time to have admitted the superiority of the Scottish 
degrees, and administered or worked them ; but in 17'66, on the 2d of October^ 
it refused to establsh chambers of those degrees witMeJ itself." — Thory,! Actsj 
Lat., page 88. 

They continue : 

" 'I'he simple truth is, that it was always a Symbblic Gfand Liocrge ; an^ the 
Count of Clermont was Grand Master of the regular Blue Lodges and Sym- 
bolic Masons of France only. He may also have bfeen at the head of the Cbancil 
of the Emperors of the* East and West, or the Grand Council ; but tl>at was 
certainly only a nominal dignity, and, at any rate, it was not a part of his 
prerogative as Grand Master." 

The Grand Orient claims all that is deniefl in the' above,' 
viz. — The union of the Council of the fimperors with herself ^^ 
then the Grand Lodge ; the administration and working of 
the degrees, and the authority of the Count of Clermont's 
power, in precisely the same way as Prince Mwrat is now the' 
lioad of all Masonry in France. 

They continise : 

" All the different powers that granted Tetters of Constitution for bodies to? 
work in the Scottish degrees, were perfectly independent of the Grand Lodge. 
In 176G, it undertook to s^jippress them, but did not succeed, — Thory, Acta Lat.,^ 



SCOTTISH RITE, AXCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 29 

p. -87. The Count of Clermont could only be Grand Master to such degrees 
as he had regularly received^ The Grand Lodge was composed of Representa- 
tives of Blue Lodges. Some of them had the high degrees and more had not. 
Of course the body, as a body, had no jurisdiction over them or concern with 
ihem. We do not know that the Count of Clermont had ever received any of 
the Scottish degrees. There is not the least reason to suppose that if he had, 
Oie had ever gone beyond those of the Rite of Perfection. Probably not one 
jnan in France had received all, or even hslf of the degrees which everybody was 
then manufacturing, and of course no one body eould have jurisdiction over 
all, nor any one Grand Master be at the head of them all. 

" The Patent of Stephen Morin emanated, therefore, from the Council of 
the Emperors of the East and West. Two questions, however, will naturally 
arise. First How could that Council be under the protection of the Grand 
Lodge of France, when we know that the latter recognized and worked the 
three Blue degrees only, .and that the Council of the Emperors was acting in 
competition with, and encroaching upon the rights of the Grand Lodge — Thory^ 
1 Acta Lat., p. IS. Second. Bow could the name and seal of the Grand 
Master and Grand Lodge of the Symbolic degrees be used in a Patent, the 
object of which was to authorize Morin to propagate the Eite of Perfection, — 
a rite not recognized by the Grand Lodge ? 

" Our answer to these questions would be — That Lacorne, the private deputy 
of the Grand Master — who cared but very little, if any, for Masonic aSairs — 
took upon himself, and without any authority whatever, to use the name and 
seal of the Count of Clermont and of a Grand Lodge tliat was in opposition 
•to the genuine Grand Lodge. A proof, however, that in 1761 the Council of 
the Emperors was not united with the two Grand Lodges, or either of them, 
is, that it was merged eleven years afterwards, viz., 1772, into the Grand Orient 
hy a concordat." — 1 Precis Hist., p. 41 ; and Beport of Leblanc de Marconnay, 
p. 12 : English Translation. 

The Grand Ori-eiit aiid the Supreme Council have been at 
variance about this matter for long years.o Perhaps the mat- 
ter will clear up itself to the reader as we progress. 

With this power in his possession, in 1761, Stephen Morin 
set sail for St. Domingo, where he remained for some years, 
during which time he commenced the propagation of his Ma- 
sonic work in the Rife of Perfection — consisting of Twenty 
nve degrees. But in his career there he gave so much dissatis- 
faction, and propagated such strange and monstrous doctriues, 
coupled with bad faith and unmasonic conduct, that the Gr.and 
Lodge of France annulled his Patent, took from him the pow- 
er, and appointed another Inspector ^n his place, [See Docu- 



80 RITE OF PERFECTION. 

ments Nos. 5 and 6 ; also, Ragon's view of the rite m its pro- 
gress.] 

The document annulling the patent of Morin^ and supersed- 
ing him Iby the appointment of another inspector — Martin, has 
been disputed. Some have gone so far as to say, that it was a 
false document, because none of the names af&xed to it in 1765 
are found in 1761. But Ragon makes mention of the ''fact,^^ 
and the author of the Report from which it is copied, assumes 
to have copied it from the Archives of the body, in Paris. It 
is given as a part of the history, without attatching any spe- 
cial importance to the document itself. 

Let us now examine the powers conferred upon Stephea 
M orin. 

He is empowered to form and establish a Lodge, for the pur- 
pose of receiving and multiplying the Royal Order in all the 
Perfect and Sublime Degrees. What those degrees are, how 
many, &c., will be found inscribed on the Patent. They are 
Twenty-five in number, and are called the ^^Rite of Perfection. ^^ 

He is to take due care that the General and Particular 
Statutes and Regulations of the Grand and Sovereign Lodge 
be kept and observed. These Statutes, both General and Par- 
ticular, have been known from the commencement, and have 
been, at different times, published far and wide. They are 
not Secret, and the Grand Orient declares, that there are not 
now known, nor has there ever at any time been known, any 
such Statutes as Secret Constitutions, They are the same 
which govern all regularly constituted bodies of this kind, 
A compliance with them regularizes the body with the parent 
body, and with all other bodies of the like kind, on the habi- 
table globe. A departure from them, makes the trespassing 
body irregular, and illegal, wherever it may be located. The 
crime of treating these Statutes with contempt, and of invent- 
ing other Statutes of the most absurd kind, together with 
the so-called " Secret Constitutions,^' was laid to the charge of 
Stephen Morin and his associates. 

He is to govern properly the Lodge wtiich he creates, under 
the title of " Lodge of St. John/' and by surname " Perfect 
Harmony.'^ 



SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 31 

He is to select such officers for the Lodge as he sees fit, or 
thinks proper. 

He is to be recognized by all Masters of regular Lodges 
wherever he may go, as " Worshipful Master of Perfect Har- 
mony Lodge.^^ 

He is authorized as Grand Inspector, to enforce the observ- 
ance of the Laws of the Order, and thus establish Perfect 
and Sublime Masonry in every part of the world. 

He is authorized to make Inspectors wherever tlie Sublime 
Degrees have not been established, (doubtless for the purpose 
of forming a Lodge like his own, and establishing the Degrees 
in regular form.) 

Tliese are the powers conferred. We do not find in the 
Patent, anything concerning the following powers he assumes, 
and for which, it has been said, he was recalled. 

He was not appointed Grand Inspector for life. If this had 
been the case they could not have taken his power from him. 

He was not empowered to make any other person an Inspect- 
or for life. No mention is made of either of these tilings in 
the Patent, and the Grand Orient explicitly states that it is 
perfectly foolish to suppose, or assert, that either the General, 
or Particular Statutes governing the Order, gave this power. 

He was not empowered to confer any Degrees, except those 
contained in the Rite of Perfection. These, as has been 
stated, are Twenty-five in number, and continued so until 1804, 
in France. But he did pretend to confer a great number of 
other Degrees, and by so doing brought himself into con- 
tempt. 

Further — it must be perfectly plain, that (if the document 
of his recall and the annulling of his Patent be true, and 
there is no reason to doubt its authenticity), all the powers 
which Stephen Morin possessed by the Patent, (and they are 
fully defined) lasted until 1766, and were legal. Subsequent to 
that date, he had no power whatever. Yet he not only as- 
sumed those powers, but took to himself many others, the re» 
suits of which the sequel will show. The document already 
quoted thus speaks ; 



32 RITE OF PEEFECTIOX. 

" When Stephen Morin imported the Rite of Perfection, or his so termed 
' Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite,' he somewhat attempted to disguise its 
origin, and to give it more importance than it really had. He consequently 
fathered the merits of the modification upon an absolute monarch, and extem- 
porized the law, which he arranged altogether to suit his own purposes. This 
bad use of the power given to Stephen Morin, caused the Grand Lo^ge of 
France to recall him in 1766." [Document No. 3.] 

Ragon, Orthodox Ma9., page 297, thus speaks : 

" Stephen Morin, on his arrival in St. Domingo, commenced the propagation 
of his Masonic work in the Rite of Perfection^ consisting of twenty-five degrees. 
He also created Inspectors, which titles did not designate tJie arbitrary powers 
and prerogatives that some silly writers have supposed, but merely the poivers of 
constituting Lodges. He also, notwithstanding the annulling of his Patents, 
and his recall in 1766, went on constituting Chapters and Councils in different 
parts of America. Between 1776 and 1782, the revolution progressed in the 
island, and the Rite of Perfection slumbered. But in 1783 it awakes with 
more degrees." 

Eagon is evidently in error concerning the year. It was 
not until 1801, that the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite 
ivas officially made known, as possessing thirty-three degrees. 

Aside from allusions like the above concerning Stephen 
Morin, history is silent. We nowhere find any details con- 
cerning his travels, nor is it known positively, at what time 
he was in America, or whether .he was here at any time. In 
fact, between the time of his leaving Franco in 1761 to the 
year 1802, we have but one definite allusion to his being in 
any other place than St. Domingo. That allusion is found in 
Ragon, who states, that in 1769 Morin was in Kingston, Ja-^ 
maica, where he had established a Lodge, or rather the Rite of 
Perfection. He then changed the name of the Kadosh de- 
gree, to that of the Knight of the Black and White Eagle. 
Therefore we are left to conjecture in this matter, and inas- 
much as Ragon has before said, that "between the years 1776 
and 1782 the revolution progressed in the Island, and the 
Rite of Perfection slumbered ; but awakes again in 1783 in a 
new dress there,'' we may justly conclude, that Morin was 
chiefly in St. Domingo and the parts adjacent. This conclu- 
sion will be the more rational when we remember the troub- 
lous times in our land from 1773 to '81, when communication 



SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 33 

with distant parts by sea was precarious, on account 01 cruis- 
ers, the war of our own revolution being then in progress, and 
the small probability there was, that the attention of men 
would be directed greatly to Masonic matters. While at the 
same time, after 1781, the probability is that the intercourse 
was more frequent, and unaccompanied with danger, and nu- 
merous facilities were enjoyed for carrying out such plans as 
Morin entertained. 

From the testimony of JYicholas G. Boss, given under oath 
before the Committee appointed by the Legislature of Rhode 
Island, to examine Masons, &c., we learn the following : 

'' In 1761, the Grand Consistory convened at Paris, wlien authority was 
given to Stephen Morin, to found and establish the higher degrees in the New 
World. He resided in the "West Indies. 

" In 1763, Closes Michael Hays arrived in this country, with authority from 
Morin to establish them, — he being appointed Deputy Grand Inspector 
General. 

" About 1780, Mr„ Hays visited or resided in Newport, Ehode Island, and 
conferred the degrees on several persons who, at that time, were Master Masons. 
Among others on Peleg Clark and Moses Seixas, in 1781. His power, as 
Deputy Inspector General, was, to confer all the degrees after Master Mason, 
unless in a place where previously established. 

" In 1793, Peleg Clark, Moses Seixas, Thomas W. Moore and Mr. Stearnes, 
being Royal Arch Masons, met at Providence, to assist the Eoyal Arch 
Masons there to found a Chapter, which they did, under the name of ' the 
Providence Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, having a dispensation from the 
nearest Chapter, ^Washingtoii Chapter,' New York, dated 3d September, 
1793.'" 

"The Grand Chapter of Rhode Island was formed in 1798, and by 1802 
had granted warrants to two Chapters in Rhode Island." — Report of Rhode 
Island Committee, 1832, page 132. 

Be this as it may, we can only arrive tit any certainty 'from 
authors on the following points, viz. : That when Stephen 
Morin left France, he took with him the Rite of Perfection, 
-consisting of twenty-five degrees and no more, that he arrived 
at St. Domingo intending to travel over the vast continent of 
America, that in St. Domingo he practiced the Rite of Perfec- 
tion according to the power given him, and also vended to 
passing travellers and adventurers, the degrees which ho re- 
ceived. He also made Inspectors. Rago:i states distinctly, 



34 RITE OF rERFECTIQN. 

''The Council of tlie Emperors never imagined for a moment 
that siicli an audacious Jew and Juggler as he was, would take 
possession of the rite to make a profit out of it, they never 
dreamed that he would make it an article of traffic, and not 
only so, but that he would re-model the degrees, make new- 
ones, &c.'' That up to 1766, a period of five years he enjoyed 
this power uninterruptedly, manufacturing many new degrees 
out of the raw material, uttered many strange doctrines, and 
performed many curious things, at the end of which time his 
conduct had become so infamous, Masonically, in the eyes of 
those who gave him the power, that they recalled him and put 
another in his place. Nothing daunted by this reverse, he still 
goes on with his work. Three years afterward we hear of him 
at Kingston, Jamaica, as much interested as ever, that shortly 
after this the Revolution broke out on the Island, and went 
on for nine years, during which the rite slept, but awoke again 
at the end of that time in an entire new form, and with a new 
dress, after which it turns up at Charleston, South Carolina, 
say the next year in a Lodge of Perfection, and subsequently 
in 1801, as a Supreme Grand Council of the Thirty-third de- 
gree, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. 

History is silent upon what follows in Morin's course until 
1802, when a document was issued by a Supreme Council in 
Charleston, South Carolina, in that year assuming to descend 
from, and to succeed Stephen Morin, and to have organized it- 
self May 31st, 1801. This document takes up the thread in 
Morin's history, which appeared to be lost, accounting for the 
manner in which the Exalted degrees found their way into 
this country. It has also become the foundation for Masonic 
writers, and a hand-book for all Supreme Councils of the 
present day, as it regards history, doctrines, traditions, &c. 

It is one of the most remarkable papers to be met with, on 
account of the bare face impositions and falsehoods which it 
contains and the doctrines which it inculcates. By its perusal 
we first get a history of Masonry from the 'primitive ages and 
a perfect epitome of the events which occurred before history 
was written by the hands of men. By it we learn the pretend-^ 
ed fact, that the Ineffable degrees of their body, irrespective of 



SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED 35 

Revelation, have been the depository of the Sacred name, lost 
to all other Societies of men. By it we are told that a Mas- 
ter of a Blue Lodge is not capable of presiding over his own 
body without an accurate knowledge of, and an acquaintance 
with, the Jewish Talmud, and the Hebrew language. In this 
notable paper is mentioned for the first time in all masonic 
history, as connected with these degrees, the name of Fred- 
erick of Prussia, as well as other notables connected with the 
Ineffable degrees, and the " Masonic Congress,^^ of 1786, hav- 
ing its East at Paris and " Berlin.'^ And we here first learn 
the nature of the powers given to all Inspectors, as " Sove- 
reigns in Masonry ^ And to sum up in a few words, by it we 
learn of the institution of an entire new rite in 1801, displac- 
ing and superseding all known rites which have preceded it, 
and denouncing as Spurious all who presume to gainsay any 
thing they utter. 

It would be proper to state here in direct terms, that no Ma- 
sonic author has ever made mention of those things set forth 
in this document, anterior to the year 1802. And subsequent 
to that date, many, among the number of whom may be men- 
tioned Dr. Oliver, have quoted this paper as authority. As a 
general thing, however, the majority of Masonic authors now 
openly contradict most of its pretensions. Even the records 
of the Council at Charleston, made during the years 1796, 
1797 and 1798, by De Grasse and de la Hogue set forth clear- 
ly, many of its fabrications. 

The authorship, as far as writing is concerned, has been at- 
tributed to Dr. Dalcho, and there is little doubt that when he 
wrote it and put it forth to the world, he candidly believed 
much that it contained. But it is pleasing to be able to state, 
that at a later period of his life, he became another man in 
feeling, and publicly renounced the whole matter, taking 
every proper occasion to undo, if possible, the act which had 
misled so many, and was productive of so much evil. 

The document is given in full in the Appendix, to which the 
reader is especially referred, before commencing the next 
chapter. [See Appendix, Doc. No. 7.] 



CHAPTER THIRD. 



THE "RITE OF PERFECTION" RECEIVES A NEW NAME,. 
iz., "ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED." 

Progress of Morin. — Appointments made by him and his successors — John 
Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho. — The Thirty-third degree — how manu- 
factured. — New. degrees added on — Commencement of the " Ancient and 
Accepted Scottish Rite." — Review of the Charleston document of 1802^ 
— A schedule of all the Rites known, with the dates of their origin, &c. — 
" Tablet " exhibiting their origin, progress, and termination. — Opinions of 
Authors concerning the Ancient and Accepted Rite. — Its false pretensions 
to antiquity exposed — Its blasphemy noticed — Frederick of Prussia — The 
" Vera Institdta Secreta," or the Secret Constitutions. — Recapitulation 
of the claims set up by this document, and their falsity exposed. 

We have seen how Morin came by his Patent from the 
Council of the Emperors of the East and West, the number of 
degrees which that Patent gave him power to confer, together 
with the name by which they should be called, viz : the Rite of 
Perfection, or of Heredom. We have followed him in his 
travels to St. Domingo, and we further learn from the authors 
that Morin did not pretend to propagate any other Masonry 
than that of Perfection in twenty-five degrees, that in 1769 
Morin was at Kingston, Jamaica, where he changed the name 
of the degree of Kadosh, to that of the Knight of the White 
and Black Eagle, having before established the Rite of Perfec- 
tion there. Also up to the year 1801, no trace is to be found 
in America, including the West Indies, of aijy higher degree 
than the Twenty-fifth, that being " Sublime Prince of the 
Royal Secret," and its Inspectors denominated " Deputy Inspec- 
tors General.''^ This is all the information we can glean from 
history until we alight upon this piece of paper, or as the 
French Mason would style it " this piece of Architecture,^^ for 
such it most truly may be called. It assumes to take up the 
bistoiy where authors have left off, and says— 



RITE OF PEBFECTlOJr. 87 

" Immediately ou his arrival in St. Domingo, Morin appofeted a ' Deputy 
Inspector Geoeral ' for North America. This high honor was conferred on 
M, M. Hays (a Jew), ' with power of appointing others where necessary.' " 

Now this is contradicted by the Register of Aveilhe, which 
was made out in 1797, and that of De la Hogue in 1798 and 
1799, now deposited in the archives of the Supreme Council 
at Charleston. The Register of De la Hogue contains as its 
first entry, the filiation of the powers of 'the Bro. Morin as 
Inspector General. It states that he gave the degree of Grand 
Deputy Inspector to Bro. Frankin at Jamaica, he, to Bro. M. 
M. Hays, at Boston, Mass., he, to Bro. Spitzer, at Charleston 
South Carolina, all the Deputies Grand Inspectors (meaning 
themselves) in Sublime Council at Philadelphia to Bro. Moses 
Cohen, he to Bro. Hyman Isaac Long, and he at Charleston to 
Bro. De la Hogue, de Grasse, Magnan, St. Paul, Robin, Petit 
and Marie, to whom, on the 12th Nov. 1796 he gave a Chartci- 
of Constitution establishing a Sublime Grand Council of 
Princes of the Royal Secret at Charleston, South Carolina. 

The Register of Aveilhe, as well as other documents, confirm 
the above. The document goes on to state : 

"Brother Morin also appointed Brother Frankhn (a Jew) Deputy Inspector 
General for Jamaica and the British Leward Islands, and Brother Colonel 
Provost for the Windward Islands and the British Army. Brother Hays 
appointed Isaac Da Costa (a Jew) Deputy Inspector General for the State 
of South Carolina, who, in the year 1783, established the Sublime Grand Lodge 
of Perfection in Charleston. After Brother Da Costa'3 death, Brother Joseph 
Myers (a Jew) was apJ)ointed Deputy Inspector General for South Carolina 
by Brother Hays ; who, also, had previously appointed Brother Solomon Bush 
(a Jew) Deputy Inspector General for the State of Pennsylvania, and Bi'other 
Barend M. Spitzer (a Jew) for the same rank in Georgia ; which was con- 
fu-med by a Convention of Inspectors (of course meaning themselves) in 1781, 
in Philadelphia. 

" On the 1st of May, 1786, the Grand Constitution of the Thirty-third 
degree, called the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General^ 
was finally ratified by His Majesty the King of Prussia, who, as Grand Com- 
mander of the Order of Princes of the Royal Secret, possessed the Sovereign 
Masonic power over all the Craft. In the new Constitution, this high power 
was conferred on a Council of nine brethren in each nation, who possess all 
the Masonic prerogatives in their own district that His Majesty individually 
possessed, and are ' Sovereign in Masonry.' " 

" On the 20th February, 1788, the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem 



S8 BOOTTIsn mm ANCIENT AND ACCIFPTED. 

M-as opened iu this city, at which were present Brother I. Myers, "Oeputy 
Inspector General for South Carolina ; Brother Barend M. Spitzer, Deputy 
Inspector General for Georg:ia ; and Brother A. Forst (a Jew, also), Deputy 
Inspector General for Virginia. 

'•On the 2d of August, 1795, Brother Colonel John Mitchell, late Quarter- 
rnuster General in the Army of the United States of America, was made a. 
l^eputy Inspector General for this State by Brother Spitzer, who acted in 
t:onsequence t)f Brother Myers' removal out of the country. Brother Mitchell 
was restricted from acting until after Brother Spit^er's death, which took 
place in the succeeding year. As many brethren of the eminent degrees had 
arrived from foreign parts. Consistories of Princes of the Koyal Secret were 
occasionally held for initiation aad other purposes, 

'' On the Blst May, 1801, the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree. 
for the United States 6t America, was opened with the high honors of Masonry 
by Brothers John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho, Sovereign Grand Inspectors 
General ; and, in the course of the present year, the whole number of Grand 
Inspectors General was completed agreeable to the Grand Coustitutiofis." 

The examination of these points in the history will be the 
subject of this chapter, but before proceeding with it, we can 
learn what some of the proceedings of Stephen Morin and his 
coadjutors were. It would appear that he commenced after 
liis arrival at St. Domingo, the appointment of Deputy Inspec- 
tors General, and when the list was completed, as we find by 
this important document, there were ten professed Jews out of 
thirteen who were elevated to these high honors. These three 
exceptions were Colonel John Mitchell, Col. Provostj and Dr. 
Frederick Dalcho. Emanuel de la Motta, Abraham xilexander>, 
and Isaac Auld will make three more Jcvrs which will count 
up thirteen out of sixteen. No reason is given for this pecu- 
liar choice. But if history speaks correctly on this subject. 
we have every reason to conclude, that Morin and his coadju- 
tors in those day§ found the manufacturing of Masonic degrees 
and the sale of Masonic dignities, a very profitable and lucra- 
tive undertaking. They pursued it diligently, making all the 
money they could from the traffic. Acting upon this principle, 
Morin did not remain in one location on the islands for a long 
period of time, but knowing that the whole range of islands^ 
as well as the vast continent of America, were wholly unpro- 
vided with these almost " priceless gems,'' which he alone pos- 
sessed, he passes from place to place, disposing of them v/her- 



RITE OF PEEFECTION. 39 

e^er lie could find a customer, and obtain a fair consideration, 
until lie had spread the whole broadcast over the soil which 
he came to cultivate. And his Jewish brethern in our own 
land, being better adapted than others for the sale of these 
commodities, entered into the scheme with equal zeal. The 
result shows for itself ; in all the Inspectors constituted by 
these travelling pedlers, the most of them are of the Jewish 
Faith. 

The opening and constituting this Supreme Council does 
not appear to have been honored with the presence of any 
properly authorized Inspector General to perform that work, 
nor with any written instrument or power, from any known 
body in the world. It is stated to have been opened by John 
Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho, botli of whom were initiated 
and appointed under these Jews who had received their powers 
from Stephen Morin. Now it would not be out of place to in- 
quire here^ where John Mitchell or Frederick Dalcho obtained 
the seven additional degrees and the last, making the Thirty 
three, and where the Jews — their initiators obtained them. 
For it has before been most clearly demonstrated and is gen- 
erally conceded to be true, by all authors, that Stephen Morin 
had only Twenty-five degrees, or the Rite of Perfection, that 
tliis rite continued as such on the islands until 1802, that all 
the Inspectors whom he initiated were only possessed of what 
he was possessed of, viz : .the Rite of Perfection, and that 
nothing was known in this country, of any degree of Masonry 
beyond the Twenty-fifth or Sublim.e Prince of the Royal 
Secret up to the opening of this Council in 1801. There is no 
one point, in all the controversies which have been iiad, upon 
the subject of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, which has been 
more earnestly argued and maintained than this, by the dis- 
ciples of that rite, Mr. Lamarre, in his very able pamphlet 
published in New Orleans, says : 

" After the Brother Morin came to America (meaning, of course, the Inspec- 
tor appointed by him.) he did not pretend to propagate any other Masonry 
than that of Perfection, in twenty-five degrees. Up to the year 1801, we find 
no trace in America, including the West Indies, of any higher degree than 



40 BITE OF PERFECTION. 

the Twenty-fifth, or Sublime P'rince of the Royal Secret. We have several 
rituals of that degree as the Twenty-fifth, made out about that time. It is 
true that the rank of Deputy Grand Inspector General had gradually grown 
to be regarded and given as a degree ; but Grand Consistories, or Councils of 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, vrere the highest and governing bodiea 
of the rite. 

" The register of Brother Aveilhe was made out in 1797> and that of Brother 
de la Hogue in 1798 and 1799, and in neither is there any hint of any higher 
power in Masonry than a Sublime (Irand Council of Sublime Princes of the 
Royal Secret. 

'•The register of de la Hogue states the confirmation of this. And in the 
register of Moses Holbrook, in the archives of the Supreme Council at Char- 
leston, is the copy of a Patent given by Barend M. Spitzer, Prince of Masons 
and Deputy Grand Inspector General, reciting his own creation as such at 
Philadelphia, on the 25th June, 1781, by a Convention of Inspectors, and cer- 
tifying that John Mitchell, of Charleston, had been raised to the degree of 
Kadosh, and further, to the highest degree in Masonry, and creating him 
Deputy Inspector General. This bears date April 2d, 1795. Then follows a 
Patent granted to Frederick Dalcho, on the 24th May, 1801, by John Mitchell, 
Kadosh, P. of the R, S., certifying him to be K. H., and P. of the R. S., and 
creating him Deputy Inspector General. 

" The register of de la Hogue contains a Copy of the Patents granted on 
the 12th November, 1796, by Hyman Isaac Long, to Brothers de la Hogue, 
de Grasse, Magnan, St. Paul, RobiUj Petit and Marie, creating each Pettriarch 
Noachite and Sovereign Enight of the Sun and of Kadosh, Deputy Grand 
Inspector Genaral, &c. 

" There is, also, in the same register, a copy of t\\c Charter of Constitutions 
granted on the 12th November, 1796, by the Brother Long^ to the same breth- 
ren, to establish a Lodge of Kadosh at Charleston, on tlfe continent of South 
America. In it the Brother Ijong thus describes himself—' We, Hyman Isaac 
Long, Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason, Knight of the East, Prince 
of Jerusalem, &c.. Patriarch Noachite, Knight of the SUn, and Kadosh and 
Deputy Grand Inspector General over all the Lodges, Chapters, Councils and 
(irand Councils of the superior degrees of Free Masonry, Ancient and Modern, 
spread over the surface of the two hemispheres,' To this is annexed a certifi- 
cate, showing that, under the Patent,, ' a Grand Sublime Council of Princes 
of the Royal Secret ' was established and installed at Charleston, South Caro^ 
Una, on the 15th January, 1797, and that it was recognized and approved and 
confirmed by the Grand Council of Princes of the Royal Secret, at Kingston, 
Jamaica, on the 10th of August, 1798. 

'• On the 26th May, 1797, the Grand and Thrice Puissant Council of the 
Valiant Princes and Sublime Masons of the Royal Secret, at Charleston, 
granted to Brother Jean Baptiste Aveilhe a Patent as Knight of the Sun and 
Kadosh, Deputy Grand Inspector General. 



RITE OF rERFP]CTieX. 41 

"Itthns appears in the most perfectly conclusive manner that, up to the 
year 1800 at least, the Rite of Perfection, ending with the Twenty-fifth degree, 
and having as its highest governing bodies Grand Councils of Princes of the 
Royal Secret, was the only Scottish Masonry worked in America. We find 
as yet no Thirty-third degree, and no Sovereign Grand Inspectors General. 

" I'he Inspectors, it is true, had assumed importance, and probably usurped 
powers. Originally they were subordinate provincial officers of the Sovereign 
Grand Council. In the provinces of France they could not constitute subordi- 
nate bodies, but only receive applications and report upon them. But in foreign 
countries they had the power of creating and constituting. They were required 
to report, it is true, but that was naturally very irregularly done, and they as 
naturally regarded themselves as superior even to the highest bodies which they 
created." 

Now the question naturally arises, viz : If these things be 
true, where did all these persons who constituted and opened 
the Supreme Grand Council get or obtain their degrees viz., : 
the seven additional with, especially, the Thirty-third? 
Neither Morin nor his coadjutors knew anything about them, 
in the year 1800. What other conclusion can we arrive at 
than a very simple one, viz : they manufactured them. Per- 
haps they may refer to the Constitution of 1786, but we shall 
speak more particularly upon that point directly. Meantime, 
let us see how Mr. Lamarre accounts for it. 

Page 24 — "It is true that, prior to 1801, these ofiQcials (Inspectors) had 
assumed, perhaps, a higher rank, and certainly a greater degree of independence 
than they were entitled to, and looked upon, and treated to some extent, the 
rank of Deputy Grand Inspector General as a degree ; and it was no doubt in 
consequence of this gradual assumption of power and prerogative, that they 
finally embodied themselves into Supreme Councils, and increased the number 
of degrees to thirty-two, besides the presiding degree, in order to set on foot a 
nevj rite, and enable them, by prescription and the assent of the fraternity of 
Scottish Ma.sons, to consolidate and legalize their power." 

Here, then, is a direct confession of the manner in which 
they formed themselves into a Supreme Grand Council by 
their own power. 

Ragon, in speaking of this Council, says : 

" In 1783, Morin and his coadjutors, notwithstanding the annulling of his 
Patent, and his recall in 1766, go on constituting Chapters and Councils 
in different places. In that year they erect in Charleston, South Carolina, the 
Grand Lodge of Perfection ; but the Prince Masons of Charleston, who wero 



42 scorrisn eitk, Axciias'T and accented. 

all Jews, not satisfied with the Eite of Perfection, consisting of twenty-fi^of 
degrees, in 1801 erect eight degrees more, making in all, thirty-three degrees j 
and, on tJieir oiun authority, vjithout any legal Masonic right whatever^ constitut« 
themselves the Supreme Scottish Council of America and the French posses- 
sions. John Mitchell, Frederick Dalcho and Emanuel de la Motta, Abraham 
Alexander and Isaac Auld, are the five persons who create a Supreme Council 
of the Thirty-third degree in Charleston. Three of the above are Jews ; the 
other two had been inveigled into the concern. 

"On the 4th of December, this Supreme Council issues a circular, signed 
jiud purporting to come from the five beforementioned persons, defining the 
degrees which they practiced — in number thirty-three— and additional ones, 
making in all the enormous number of fifty-three degrees, but never once 
intimating in the whole of that monstroit,s and amazing document, the origin 
of their authority as a Supreme Council. This document received a large 
circulation among Masonic bodies over the two hemispheres, and the venerable 
Grand Lodge of Scotland, on receiving the same, refused to notice it or to 
recognize the body, with much severe remark upon their gross conduct. 

" The brethren who were thus constituted, were illegal in every respect, and 
could not lawfully establish the Rite of Perfection^ or make substitutes in any 
place." 

Here then is the commencement of the new rite imder the 
title of " Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rife.^^ Before the an- 
nouncement of this Council in 1802, all authors agree in say- 
ing, that no other Rite than that of Perfection, having' 
Twenty-five degrees and no more, and ending with the Sub- 
lime Prince ©f the Roj^al Secret, was practiced or known by 
Morin and his coadjutors, nor was the title " Ancient and Ac- 
cepted Scottish Rite" ever applied to any system of degrees, 
or practiced by any set of Masons. And this is the head and 
front of their claim to power in that rite because they are the 
founders and establisbers of the same in 1802. 

It is certain, that, as a general thing, this prominent and 
peculiar claim has not heretofore been allowed, or even well 
understood by Masons. On this account, as well as for prool 
that they do actually make such a claim, we quote from their 
own defenders, perhaps largely, but still, with profit to the 
reader. 

Lamarre, page 3, says : 

" A rite is a regularly arranged scale or series of degrees, forming a hier- 
archy, in which each lower degree introduces the neophyte to the one immedi- 



EITE OF PERFECTION. 43 

titely above it. One rite may differ from another, either in having more or less 
degrees, leaving out or adding degrees, or working the same degrees differently. 

" The Eite known at this day as the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Kite, 
consists of thirty-three degrees. Of the origin of many of these degrees we 
know nothing whatever. Undoubtedly most of them, as isolated degrees, or 
parts of other systems, were worked by different Masonic bodies in Europe 
established near the middle of the Eighteenth Century. 

" We admit that, if one were to take a rite consisting of a large number of 
degrees, and add or take away one or two degrees, making no other changes, 
and give it, with that diminution or addition, a new name, it would not, in good 
faith, be another or new rite. But, if the change made were substantial, if 
the existing degrees were re-arranged, and several new ones added, and especi- 
ally if higher ones were created, and the scale so arranged became consolidated 
by time, and grew up to be a power in Masonry, regularly established and 
administered, it would be simply absurd to deny it the name of a rite. 

"In 1758, and for many years after, the Rite of Perfection or of Heredom 
consisted of twenty-five degrees. It began with the three Symbolic degrees, — 
with the Eighteenth reached the Rose Croix, and with the Twenty-fifth the 
Prince of the Royal Secret. At some time between 1783 and 1801 — (why not 
say at once in 1801, as he has before proved,) — some one or more persons took 
the Rite of Perfection and expanded the seven degrees above the Eighteenth 
to fifteen degrees, leaving the first eighteen untouched, and more than doubling 
the residue ; ending with a degree above the highest of that rite, created a 
superior governing power, and called the new rite the ' Ancient and Accepted 
Scottish Rite: " 

Again, page 6 : 

" The word rite has acquired in Masonry a perfectly well settled technical 
meaning. When out of the mass of perhaps two hundred degrees, with their 
six hundred variations, somebody has selected twenty-five, arranged them, made 
them to some extent harmonize, induced bodies of Masons to accept and work 
them, and under that system to establish Masonic government, administration, 
offices and dignities — that is a rite. When another takes those sam« twenty-five 
degrees, retains the first eighteen, adds to the last seven, eight others — selected 
out of the eight hundred degrees and variations, or invented for tlw occasion — 
arranges and harmonizes the thirty-three thus obtained, — provides a governing 
body, a rank, office and dignity higher than before, induces Masons to accept 
the new system, or improved system, and so sets it going, and it goes on and 
works, is administered, and becomes a substantive and existing organization 
and power in Masonry — that is a rite. 

" Among the degrees added to the twenty-five of the Rite of Perfection, to 
make up the thirty-three of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite now prac- 
ticed, were the Chief of the Tabernacle, Prince of the Tabernacle, Prince of 
Mercy or Scotch Trinitarian, Knight of the Brazen Serpent, and the Knight 
CJommander of the Temple. 



44 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

*' All these degrees did not exist in France until 1804. There was never auj 
such degree known in France until 1804, as Sovereign Grand Inspector Gene- 
ral — superior to the Prince of the Royal Secret. And it is perfectly well- 
known to all Masons who have at all examined the subject, that no such degrees 
as Chief of the Tabernacle, Prince of the Tabernacle, Knight of the Brazen 
Serpent, and Prince of Mercy, are to be found in the nomenclature of any of 
the old degrees existing prior to the year 1804." 

Here, then, we have the plain declaration of the origin of 
this new rite. 

But the opposers of this now rite speak in a different lan- 
guage. They are willing to allow this style of reasoning about 
the nature of a rite, to be correct, while at the same time they 
demur to the statements made, first concerning the Eite of 
Perfection. They say in substance as follows. 

Here, then, we have the whole storj, in regard to the origin- 
ality and newness of the rite which they claim, and after read- 
ing the long argument, of which this short abstract forms only 
a very small part, one would suppose that the originators and 
founders of this new rite, had labored with untiring diligence, 
and for a long period of time, in examining the rituals, &c., 
of the various rites, by whatever names they might be called, 
and had selected such of the number as were free from objec- 
tions, the most in accordance with their views, and by re-indit- 
ing, pruning, transposing, and manufacturing, they had put to- 
gether a series entirely new, and one to which they could lay a 
just and fair claim. This, however, is very far from being the 
case. It is not true. 

But let us examine for a moment this pretension. It is clear 
that Stephen Morin brought the Rite of Perfection in its pure 
state, from France to St. Domingo, that it consisted of Twenty- 
five degrees as before named, that he conferred those degrees 
upon the inspectors — that they conferred them upon others — 
and that these degrees, or this rite of Heredom in its purity, 
was carried back to France from Port au Prince, St. Domingo, 
in the year 1803, by Germain Hacquet, and by him sold to the 
Grand Orient of France, which body, in gratitude to him for 
bringing back the rite unadulterated, made him the President 
of their chamber of rites ; that there was no other rite known 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 45 

up to 1801, in tills country, and to 1803 in the West Indies. 
All tliis is true to the letter. 

Now the Schedule of the degrees which Morin brought with 
him, are named in his Patent. And the degrees which Ger- 
main Hacquet carried back in 1803, were precisely the same, 
no alteration in a single letter or number. 

The Charleston Jews declare, that they did" in the year 1801, 
establish a new rite in Masonry, under the name of the An- 
cient and Accepted Scottish Rite in Thirty-three degrees. But 
what were these degrees? Simply the Kite of Perfection, or the 
Rite of Heredom, received from Stephen Morin — unaltered in 
a single letter (until late years), and which will at once be 
evident by placing the two schedules together. Let any one 
examine for himself and be satisfied. There he will find the 
twenty-five degrees without a letter or a symbol altered, not- 
withstanding the great display of words which are uttered by 
the defenders of that right. Altered they may be at this day. 
for it is nearly sixty years since they made this bold preten- 
sion, and during that time they have passed through many 
hands for correction and emendation. So much for that part 
of the new rite, making twenty-five degrees of the thirty-three. 
[See Schedule to Stephen Morin's Patent, Doc. No. 6.] 

But there are eight other degrees added, in order to make 
the thirty-three. And what degrees are these ? We shall pres- 
ently see. We quote again. 

"In May, 1797, Louis Claude Henri de Montniain was conferring at Char- 
leston, South Carolina, a detached degree, by name — ' The Commander of fhe 
Temple Mason.' This degree had been conferred upon de la Hogue and the 
Count de Grasse." 

By a bargain made with Montmain, they purchased the com- 
modity, and crowded it into their system as the Twenty- 
seventh. They also pick up a number of side degrees, viz. : 
the Chief of the Tabernacle, Prince of the Tabernacle, Prince 
of Mercy, and Knight of the Brazen Serpent, making them 
the Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth, Twenty-fifth and Twenty- 
sixth, all of which have nothing whatever to do with tlicir 
system, if there is any system about it ; then make the degree 
of Kadosh Twenty-ninth, and three out of the Prince of the 



46 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Eoyal Secret, viz. : Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second, 
and on the top of -the whole they manufactured the Thirty- 
third out of new material altogether. [See the circular of the 
body, Doc. No. 7.] 

They leave out altogether the " Knight Ecossai," or, Knight 
of St. Andrew, and " Sovereign Judge or Inquisitor Command- 
er," which were not added until nearly twenty years afterward. 
As it regards the whole of them, except the Commander of 
the Temple, they assert that they were not known in Europe, 
or in any Masonic rite until 1801, which is very clear evidence 
if it be true, that they were manufactured then. 

Now, the question is. Does this make a new rite of it? 
Will it make a new substance by dividing a piece of cloth 
twenty-five inches long originally, into several pieces with a 
knife, and then adding five or six more pieces, and sticking all 
together closely, so that a body is formed thirty-three inches 
long instead of twenty-five. If it be a fact, that the simple 
addition of these degrees, unimportant in themselves, and 
irrelevant to the subject, makes a new rite, and that ground 
is maintained, then we have no security in any Masonic rite 
which we practice and venerate at the present day ; on the same 
ground, why could not a Royal Arch Chapter take up the Royal, 
Select, and Super Excellent Master degrees, crowd them in 
between the Most Excellent and Royal Arch degrees, then de- 
clare a new rite, with a new name, and at once turn round, 
and not only denounce a Regular Chapter, and all regular 
Chapters, but also expel the whole body of the old rite as the 
Charleston Supreme Council has done, and deny all inter- 
course with them. If this were a true position, and could be 
sustained, then all known Masonic rights could be superceded 
and denounced in a dav. 



This document proclaims a most gross falsehood when it 
deck-res that the Masons called Sublime, were in possession of 
the Word, lost by the assassination of our Grand Master, and 
had preserved it through all succeeding generations, down to 
the present time. As there are as many different words, as 
there are degrees, in their system, which have the same mean- 



RITE OF PEBFECTION*. 47 

lug, it would have been well to have stated, which one of the 
words they had particular allusion to. It is not necessary, 
however, to waste any time in arguing this matter, as the 
whole assertion in its length and breadth, will be controverted 
by the relation of simple, well authenticated, historical facts, 
which will prove how far from the ages of antiquity the Sublime 
Masons have transmitted this renowned word, or any other 
important matters connected with Masonry. 

We have seen that Masonry was not known in France in 
any of its rites whatever in the year 1700 of the Christian 
Era, that in 1725 the first Symbolic Lodge was formed, and that 
the Ineffable or Sublime degrees were not known until the 
year 1730, or there about. Beginning with 1730, the following 
rites were manufactured and introduced into France, and from 
thence to other parts of the world. Perhaps it would be 
proper to mention, that the three first degrees of Ancient Craft 
Masonry have nothing to do with this Schedule, as they were 
in practice on the island of Great Britain several centuries 
before this period. They, however, form the basis of most ot 
the systems. 

The rite ^^ de la Vieille Bru,^' or, of the Faithful Scotchman, 
was established at Toulouse, in France in 1748, and consisted 
of the three symbolic degrees, and six others, in all, nine. 

The Philosophical Scottish Rite, instituted in 1776, at Paris, 
by Brother Boileau, a Physician, and worked until 1826, and in 
Belgium ever since, consisted of twelve degrees in addition to 
the three symbolic, in all, fifteen. 

The Kite of Strict Observance conferred six degrees, begin- 
ning with the three Symbolic, in all, six. 

The Regime Reforme, or Rectifie of Dresden, had seven de- 
grees, including the three Symbolic, in all, seven. 

The Scottish Philosophical Rite of the Scottish Mother Lodge, 
which is to be credited to the body established at Marseilles 
prior to 1750. It consisted of eighteen degrees, the three first 
being the Symbolic degrees and the eighteenth the Knight of 
the Sun, eighteen. 

The Monhiramite Masonry of the Baron de Tchoudy consist- 
ed of thirteen degrees, ending with the Noachite or Prussian 
Knightj in all, thirteen. 



48 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

The Rite of Elect Coens, or of Martinez Pascluilis, consisted 
of nine degrees, it, as well as the Adonhiramite, beginning with 
the three Symbolic degrees, in all, nine. 

The Alchemical Rite of Pernety consisted of six degrees, be* 
ginning with the True Mason, and ending with the Knight of 
the Golden Fleece, in all, six. 

The Rite of Philalethes, established in 1773, had the three 
Symbolic and nine other degrees, in all, twelve. 

The Primitive Scottish Rite, or Philadelphi, established at 
Narbonne in 1780, had ten degrees of instruction, a degree 
there meaning a certain amount of instruction, and some of 
them including several Masonic degrees, in allj ten. [See Ap-^ 
pendix No. 8.] 

The Primitive Scottish Rite*, established at Namur in 1770, 
consisted of thirty-three degrees, many of which were differ- 
ent from any in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, but 
are found in the Philosophical Scottish Rite, the Rite of 
Strict Observance and Adonhiramite Masonry, the Rite of 
Pernety, &c. 

The Rite of Martinism, of the Marquis of St. Martin, a dis- 
ciple of Martinez Pascalis, w^as at first composed of ten de- 
grees, and afterward, as the reformed Scotticism of St. Martir 
of seven, each beginning with the three Symbolic, in all, ten. 

The Rite of the Grand Lodge of the Three Globes, at Berlin, 
has ten degrees. Moreau in his Precis sur la Franc, Mag. 
page 17 says, it has seventeen — In all, ten. 

The Rectified Rite, .adopted in 1782 had five degrees, includ- 
ing the three Symbolic, in all, five. 

The Swedish Rite, had twelve degrees, beginning with the 
three Symbolic, in all, twelve. 

The Rite of Benedict Chastanier, had six degrees, in all, six* 

The Rite of Brother Henoch had four degrees, in all, four. 

The Oriental Rite, or, Rite of Mem'phis, had ninty-two de* 
grees, being a mere modification of the Rite of Misraim, in all, 
ninety-two. 

The Persian Philosophic Rite had seven degrees, in all, seven* 

The Clerks of the Relaxed Observance had ten, the tenth 
divided into five parts, in all, ten. 



KITE OF PERFECTION. 49 

The Architects of Africa or African brethren had eleven, in 
all, eleven. 

The Rite of Swedenborg had eight, or according to Clavel, 
six, in all, eight. 

The Rite of Zinnendorfm Russia had seven, in all, seven. 

The Rose Croix Rectified of Schroeder, established in 1766 at 
Marburg in Hesse Cassell had seven degrees, in all, seven. 

The Rite of Schroeder of Hamburg, established after 1800, 
had three Symbolic degrees alone, in all, three. 

The System of Fessler, created about 1796, had nine degrees,, 
in all, nine. 

The Eclectic Rite, followed in Germany and Switzerland,, 
settled in 1783, has the three Symbolic degrees only, in all, 
three. 

The Rite of the Elect of Truth, created about 1779, had four- 
teen degrees in three classes, in all, fourteen. 

•' Id 1743, the Count of Clermont was elected Grand Master, and under his 
Grand Mastership the Grand Lodge of France was completely organized. In 
that year the Masons of Lyons invented the ' Petit Elu,' which was afterwards 
known as the Kodosli, and out of which were developed several other of the Elu. 
degrees. ' About the same time Philosophism composed several degrees, and 
among others the Knight of the Sun. The Jesuits, Clavel says, Hist. Pittoresque 
de la Franc, Mag. p. 166, composed the Kose Croix, which the Philosophers 
took possession of, and gave its symbols an astronomical interpretation. Soon 
after, the Kaballa, Magic, Evocations of Spirits, Divination, Alchemy, Her- 
meticism, Theosophy, and every sort of empty humbug, were worked up into 
degrees, and taught in the Lodges. The ineffable stupidity of most of the 
Eituals was a perfect antidote to the looseness of their doctrines. Taking the^ 
Rituals in the aggregate, the history of the human race does not present such a 
scene of shameless imposition, impudence, and folly on the part of a few Charla- 
tans, and 0^ pitiable stupidity on the part of the many who were gulled." 

" Rebold entitles the Masonry introduced into France by Dr. Ramsay, or 
better known as the Chevalier Ramsay ' the Primitive Scottish Rite.' It was 
composed of three Blue degrees and followed by the ' Novice,' the ' Ecossais,'' 
and the KnigJU of the Temple,' and a few years afterward was increased one 
degree, making seven in all, and was adopted by the English Grand Lodge." 

"The followers of Charles Edward Stuart, the son of the Pretender, opened 
Lodges without authority, and he himself chartered a Chapter of Rose Croix 
at Arras in 1747 (Besuchet). The Charter is given in full in Ragon. Clavel 
says that this was the first chapter or centre of administration of the High 
degrees in France and that the second was established in Marseilles in 1751 
by a travelling Scotsman. 



50 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

" In 1748 the Rite de Veilla Bru, or Faithful Scotsman, was established at 
Toulouse with nine degrees, the first three Symbolic, followed by the Secret 
Master J four Elu degrees, and the Ninth degree * Scientijic Masonry J'''' 

" In 1750 and 1751, a Lodge styled ' St. Jean de Ecossais ' was established at 
Marseilles, which afterwards assumed the style of ' Scottish Mother Lodge of 
France.' Its regime finally consisted of Eighteen degrees, of which the 
Scottish Mother Lodge of France at Paris afterwards borrowed Eight." 

" In 1752 a power of the Lligh degrees was established under the pompous 
title of * Sovereign Council, Sublime Scotch Mother Lodge of the Grand French 
Globe.' It afterwards called itself Sovereign Council, Sublime Mother Lodge 
of the Excellents of the Grand French Globe.' The ' Council of the Emperors of 
the East and West ' assumed that title also on the 22d January, 1780. — 
Ragon." 

" In 1754, The Chevalier de Bonneville established a chapter of the High 
degrees at Paris, styled the ' Chapter of Clermont.' In it the Templar system 
was revived, and the Baron de Hund received the High degrees, there and 
thence derived the principles and doctrines of his ' Order of Strict Observance ' 
— Thory and Leveque — Ragon says, The regime of the Chapter of Clermont at 
first comprised only three degrees, viz., the three Symbolic, followed by the 
Knight of the Eagle or Master Elect, Illustrious Knight or Templar, and 
Illustrious Sublime Knight — but that they soon became more numerous." 

" In the same year Martinez Pascalis established his rite of ' Elus C'oens ' 
with nine degrees. He did not carry it to Paris until 1767, where Martinism 
in ten degrees grew out of it." — Clavel. 
• " In 1757 M. de St. Gelaire introduced at Paris the ' Order of Noachites.' ^' 

In 1758 Leveque says : 

" Certain Masons styled themselves ' Sovereign Princes and Grand Officers 
of the Grand and Sovereign Lodge of St. John at Jerusalem ' founded at Paris 
a chapter of the Emperors of the East and West, in which they conferred on 
such Masons as were fond of many degrees, as many as Twenty-five Thory, 
Yidal, Fezandie, and Ragon, all confirm this statement.' " 

"In 1759 this Council established a Council of Princes of the Royal Secret 
at Bordeaux. Thory and Ragon. 

" In 1761, Lacorne, the dancing master, Special deputy of the Grand Master, 
and as such, real head of the order, enraged because the Grand Lodge refused 
to recognize him and its members to sit with them, established a new Grand 
Lodge. Both Grand Lodges, granted Charters and the Council of the 
Emperors of the East and West constituted at Paris and throughout France 
Lodges and Chapters. The old Grand Lodge denounced the new Grand 
Lodge under the cognomen ' Faction Lacorne,'' which nevertheless continued to 
thrive. In the midst of this confusion, Stephen Morin was commissioned." 

Thory, in his Acta Lat., mentions EightcRn different degrees of Apprentices 
Nineteen of Fellow Craft, Sixty-Four of Master Mason, Thirty-Six of the 



i 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 51 

" Elm;' Sixty-Eight of the " Ecossais," Twelve of the " Rose Croix;' Twenty- 
Seven of the Philosophic degrees, and Six of the ' Kadosh; these Eight 
degrees alone furnishing Two hundred and Forty-nine rituals. In all, there 
have probably been some six or eight hundred degrees, and variations of 
degrees in practice." 

Annexed will be found a chart containing the most of these 
rites with the date of their commencement, their progress, and 
final concentration in the Grand Orient of France, and 
Supreme Council of France, the ruling and governing powers, 
there ; all being consummated by the year 1804 to 1810. 
This chart is embodied from Kloss and Ragon. The quota- 
tions are made from Thory, Rebold, Besuchet, Vassal, Ragon, 
Clavel, Des Etang, Chemin Dupontes, Bobrik, Leveque, 
Moreau, Boubee, Kaufmann and Cherpin, with numerous 
others, and will all be found engrossed in a pamphlet called, 

** Lamarres Defence, <fcc." 

All these degrees and rites have sprung into being since the 
year 1740. And it may not be uuprofitable to inquire of what 
kind of materials all these degrees were made up. 

Des Etangs says of the Rituals : 

" They are an incoherent medley of all sorts of practices and ceremonies, 
taken from the old religions of India, of Egypt, from the Jewish and Christian 
books, which might perhaps in other times have sufficed to preserve some 
truths, but which are far from meeting the wants of the age in which we live."^ 

Chemin Dupontes Memoir sur V Eccossisme, page 322, " From the Fourth 
degree to the Thirtieth, only four or five degrees are conferred, all the others 
being so summarily communicated as to be virtually annihilated. We have 
even heard in solemn meetings of the High degrees the naif avowal, that they 
did not dare to use the cahiers with initiates possessed of common sense." 

Vassal, page 269, says of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, that the 
reasons given in the Fifth degree for its institution are " miserable and immoral;* 
that those who made the degree knew very little, that the questions and 
answers are mostly insignificant, and that he did not succeed in finding in them- 
anything instructive." 

Page 278, " The Sixth is merely political, and he would have passed it by 
in silence if he had not promised to examine every one separately. He declares 
the Seventh useless, and that the reasons assigned for instituting it did not 
exist when it was created." Page 303. 

Page 289, " The Eighth he says is exclusively devoted to Architecture, 
and one of those which discourage intelligent men, and enable our enemies to 



1 




52 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

turn us into ridicule, because they find there more ignorance than instruction. 
The history of most of the degrees is unintelligible, &c." 

Page 306, " The Ninth may have been insiduously intercalated to make 
men abhor initiation ; it is based on cunning dissimulation and revenge ; it is 
a degree of a sect or party ; does not belong to the primitive initiation ; never 
ought to have been in Scottish Masonry, and the Chapters ought to be forbid- 
den to confer it — page 313. The history of the Tenth degree is essentially 
false — 324. The Eleventh contains not a single point of morals and no 
instruction, and so is almost a nullity. The very title of the degree discloses 
the ignorance of its authors, it ought to disappear from the Scottish Eite- •• 
329 and 330." 

Page 336, " The history of the Twelfth is insignificant and improbable. 
Of tho Thirteenth he says, the further we advance in the Capitular degrees, the 
more our embarrassment increases on account of the confusion and improbabil- 
ity of each degree. A parabolic language and paucity of symbols make these 
degrees almost unintelligible. There is nothing instructive or useful in it — 
page 340 and 346." 

Page 287, '' The Sixteenth is not worth preserving — there is in it neither 
utility or instruction." 

Page 420, " The Nineteenth is an inexhaustible source of Allegories more 
or less positive, and at the same time more or less erroneous." 

Page 321 and 425, '' Out of the Twentienth the most fertile imagination 
and perspicacious penetration could not extract the least instructive notion, 
nor the least useful consequence. It is really not a degree, for there is 
nothing in it of what makes a degree." 

Page 374, " The Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth represent Sabeism only." 

Page 477, 480, "The Twenty-fifth is an extravagant compound of events, 
facts and science, at once Political, Religious and Scientific, its initiation 
insignificant." 

Page 507, '^ The Twenty-seventh ought not to be in the scale as a degree. 
It has neither symbols nor allegories connected with initiation, and is still less 
a Philosophical degree. It seems to have been stuck in simply to fill a gap 
and retain the name of a celebrated order. Its instruction is wholly Christian. 
It expresses the sincere Piety of the Templars. That is all there is of the 
degree. 

Page 520, " The Twenty-ninth he finds of no account, to amount to but 
little, and says such documents do not pay a studious man, and one anxious to 
learn who reads with continuous attention a voluminous cahier, to be at the 
end less enlightened than he was before." 

So much for tlie quality, or tlie intrinsic excellence of the 
degrees of this rite. All the authors who have been quoted 
are Masons, and therefore the testimony which they have given 
is perfectly reliable and should be received. The author in- 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 5^ 

dulges the hope that the reader has not become weary in the 
perusal of this minute account of all the known Rites of 
Masonry. These extracts were made thus full in order to 
prove the following facts : 

First. That there was no such thing known in the world as 
the Ineffable or Sublime degrees of Masonry, or, in fact, any 
higher degrees at all than the Third or Master Mason, prior to 
the year 1730. 

Second. That the manufacture of these so-called higher 
degrees commenced about that time and was carried on with 
unheard of zeal, until not only France, but also many of the 
portions of the Continent, the islands, &c., were filled with 
them. 

Third. That among the degrees and rites manufactured, is 
found in 1758, the commencement of the Rite of Perfection, or 
Heredom, consisting of twenty-five degrees. Those degrees in 
their primitive form are practiced here. 

Fourth. That among all the Rites known and practiced, none 
of them bear the name of " the Ancient and Accepted Scottish 
Rite,^^ from 1736 to 1801, at which time that name is proclaim- 
ed as attached to a new rite or system then established. And 
we here clearly see how they came by the material to form their 
new rite, viz., by taking the Rite of Perfection, manufactured 
between 1745 and 1758 into twenty-five degrees, and, adding 
thereto five stray degrees, picked up wherever they could find 
them, crowding the same in between the degrees of the Rite 
of Perfection, which they already had possession of through 
Stephen Morin, and manufacturing a ruling degree, the thirty- 
third, out of new and raw material. This is their boasted new 
rite, with a new name, &c. 



SEE SCHEDULE. 

Degrees contained in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish 
Rite as copied from the Schedule of the Circular, 1802. 

J. Entered Apprentice. 6. Intimate Secretary. 

2. Fellow Craft. 7. Provost and Judge. 

3. Master Mason. 8. Inteudent of the Buildings. 

4. Secret Master. 9. Elect of Nine. 

5. Perfect Master. 10. Elect of Fifteen. 



54 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

11 . Sublime Knight Elected. " 22. Prince of Libanus. 

12. Grand Master Architect. 23. Chief of the Tabernacle. 

13. Royal Arch. 24. Prince of the Tabernacle. 

14. Perfection. 25. Prince of Mercy. 

15. Knight of the East. 26. Knight of the Brazen Serpejit. 

16. Prince of Jerusalem. 27. Commander of the Temple. 

17. Knight of the East and West. 28. Knight of the Sun. 

18. Sov. Pr. Rose Croix de H. 29. Kadosh. 

19. Grand Pontiff. 30, 31, and 32. Prince of the Royal 

20. Gr. Master of all Symbolic Lodges. Secret. 

21. Patriarch Noachite, or Prussian33. Sov'gn Grand Inspector General. 

Knight. 
Note. — Observe — Kadosh is the 29th, the Institutes require it to be the 
30th. They have left out entirely, two degrees, which the Institutes require 
to be the 29th and 31st, viz., '' the Grand Knight of St. Andrew,'' and the ''Grand 
Inquisitor Commander," and have made three degrees out of the " Sublime 
Prince of the Royal Secret, viz., the 3Gth, 31st and 32d. 



Fifth. The most important reason of all, is to demonstrate, 
that the huge pretensions made by the founders of this new 
rite in the year 1802, to this effect, viz. : " that the Sublime 
Masons were in possession of the true Master^ s Word, which was 
lost at the assassination of the Grand Master, at the building of 
the Temple; that it was in their possession before that event, and 
had been preserved through all succeeding ages by them, and was 
brought down from thence by them to the present time, Sfc, that 
this huge pretension is a most glaring, bare-faced falsehood, 
and an imposition upon all whom it may concern. Because, 
not one solitary degree which they confer is much over one 
hundred years of age, all of them, beginning with the fourth or 
Secret Master, and ending with the Thirty- third, having been 
put together and manufactured out of the " raw material,^' sub- 
sequent to the year 1730, and most of them since 1750. 

It is vain for them to say that a nobleman from Scotland 
visited France in 1744 and established a Lodge of Perfection 
at Bordeaux. It is vain to attempt a deceit here. We have 
already seen who that nobleman was, viz. : the son of the 
Pretender, and also that the body, instead of being a Lodge of 
Perfection, was a chapter of Rose Croix, that degree being 
then a detatched degree, and manufactured by the Jesuits at 



EITE OF PERFECTION. 55 

least twelve years before the Rite of Perfection was known. 
The knowledge of the whole stuff is abruptly and officially 
denied by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and they openly de- 
clare that none but the three degrees of Ancient Masonry 
were ever known or practiced there. And such was the case 
until full one third of the present century, had passed away. 



Not content with the iteration of such a mass of falsehood, 
they resort to Blasphemy and Low Vulgarity^ in order to add 
to the value of secrets which they pretend to hold in their 
keeping, by saying, " that it is said by Dr. Priestly, that the 
Jewish writers have said, that Jesus performed his miracles 
through means of some ineffable words of God, which lie had rob- 
bed or stolen from the Temple. ^^ 

This simple expression alone, stamps the character of the 
document as well as the men who manufactured it. And when 
it is remembered that it was made with a full knowledge of the 
rituals, and doctrines of the degrees which they pretended to 
confer, the real opposition and enmity to the truth, as reveal- 
ed in the Word of Truth, and in some of the degrees, which 
are founded upon that revelation, becomes the more fearful 
and amazing. Leaving all the other degrees out of the ques- 
tion, and taking the Rose Croix as a guide, a degree which is 
based upon the Crucifixion and the Resurrection of Immanuel, 
God with us — which recites the story of the Cross in language 
most affecting, which exhibits to the view the various symbols 
connected with the event, as well as the lasting memorials 
which He left behind to call it up to the memory, amid the 
troubled scenes of life ; one is entirely at a loss how to account 
for the cool impudence and malignity, toward the man of sor- 
rows, which are evinced by this single sentence of the document. 

It may be supposed that tliis portion of the paper has been 
selected for the purpose of heaping reproach upon the Jews, 
who in great part composed the Charlestoi Council. But this 
is not the case, on the contrary, it becomes a part of the his- 
tory, from its being there, and has had a great infiuence to- 
ward producing certain effects, which have been partially 
alluded to, and will be alluded to again. Besides, it would be of 



56 SCOTTISH EITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

little avail to our benefit, to reproach tliem, or to hold up their 
conduct especially to reprehension. For there were others 
there besides Jews, and the uttering of such a document and 
such doctrines, is only a fair and distinct exhibition of the 
human character, and an accurate developement of the human 
heart. " The opposition of the Jews to Jesus, in the days of 
his flesh, was but the natural opposition which conscious 
iniquity generates, to the light and power of excellence. They 
hated him, not for himself, but his character. Their aversion 
to this, was the simple result of man's native dislike to purity 
and holiness. Their obliquity of purpose and cruelty of spirit, 
did not arise from their being Jews, but from their being 
meny 

This body of men assume to be a fountain head of power, 
issue a document containing partly a history and partly the 
doctrines which they teach. This is one of those doctrines ; 
and if it does not declare in so many words that Jesus was a 
liar and a thief, it certainly leads directly to the inference that 
they themselves were of that opinion, and would have such a 
doctrine promulgated in the bodies which they create. It has 
gone forth to the world, and its effects we have all witnessed. 
They have so altered the meaning and interpretation of the 
Symbols which are used, that one is oftentimes at a loss, what 
to understand by those beautiful emblems, or how to believe 
what he hears. It was this conduct on their part, which drew 
forth from the New York Council and Consistory, the circu- 
lar, which may be found in the Appendix. [See Doc. 24.] 

It is in this light that we would comment upon this part of 
the document. If we have been led, clearly to perceive, and 
to believe with unshaken confidence, this lowly and despised 
one was none other than the Word himself, as he openly de- 
clares; who was in the beginning with God and was God, that 
all things were made by him, and without him there was noth- 
ing made that was piade; that although he was the Wonderful, 
the Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and 
the Prince of Peace ; that, although he was rich, yet for our 
sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be 
rich ; who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery 



E[TE OF PEKFECTION. 57 

to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, and 
took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the 
likeness of men ; and being found in fashion as a man, he 
humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the 
death of the Cross ; if we follow him to the manger for his 
cradle, the stable for his dwelling, and his company the beasts 
of the field ; if we accompany him through his weary way, as a 
man of sorrows and acquainted v\;^ith grief, to the wedding, 
where he by a look transformed the water into wine ; or with- 
out the city to the bier on which they were transporting the 
young man — the dead son — to his final resting place, and be- 
hold him take him by the hand, bid him to arise, and imme- 
diately he comes to life ; or to the bed of Dorcas where she 
lay fast bound in death's embrace, and see her, too, though 
dead, and prepared for the grave, open her eyes at his word, 
and rise in health and life ; or to the grave of Lazarus whom 
he loved, who had been dead four days, and yet, at his word, 
bursting the bonds of death and walking out of the tomb be- 
fore the astounded multitude, and at the same time, liden to 
Ms words while he declares, that He himself is the Resurrection 
and the life, pointing to the miracle which he had wrought in 
proof of the truth of his words ; we must conclude that this 
is indeed none other than the hand of the Almighty God, for 
none but he can do deeds like this. None but God can forgive 
sins, or give sight to the blind, or call back to life again him 
that was dead. 

And is it true that we are called upon by such men as the 
authors of this document, to believe, that all this is a Sham, 
that the whole of these marvellous miracles were wrought by 
means of some word which Jesus stole from the temple, and 
that the word which he stole, and deceived the people with, 
they had in their possession, and as Sublime Masons had brought 
it through all generations from the primitive age of the world 
down to the present time, and would for the sum of Twenty-five 
dollars, confer it upon or communicate it to, the Candidate? 
Is it true that this doctrine, viz : that he who spake as never 
man spake, is a Liar and a Deceiver ? That he, whose office 
work on earth was, to comfort the mourner, to bind up the 



58 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captive, and the 
opening the prison to them that are bound, was a Thief ? 
Well may we repeat, " Shame, where is thy blush?^^ 



We shall pass to the assertions concerning " Frederick of 
Prussia,'^ and the " Constitutions of 1786,'' on which this paper 
dwells with considerable confidence. 

The document reads as follows : 

"In 1761, Lodges and Councils of the Sublime degrees existed all over the 
continent of Europe. His Majesty, the King of Prussia, who was Grand 
Commander of the Order of the Koyal Secret, was proclaimed as Chief of the 
Subhme and Ineffable degrees of Masonry for the two hemispheres." 

" On the 25th October 1762, the Grand Masonic Constitutions were finally 
ratified at Berlin, and proclaimed for the government of all the Lodges of 
Sublime and Perfect Masons, and of the Chapters, Councils, Colleges and 
Consistories of the Royal and Military Order of Free Masonry in the two 
hemispheres." 

" On the 1st of May 1786, the Constitutions of the Thirty-third degree, 
called the Supreme Council of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General was 
finally ratified by his Majesty, the King of Prussia, who, as Grand Commander 
of the Order of Princes of the Royal Secret, possessed the Sovereign Masonic 
povv^er over the whole Craft." 

Before going into an examination of these two points, we 
would offer a few items worthy of remembrance as we pass 
along. 

Thory, says : 

" September 21st, Commissioners from the Councils of the Emperors of the 
East and West of Paris, and from the Council of the Princes of the Royal 
Secret at Bordeaux, settled the Regulations of the Masonry of Perfection in 
thirty-five articles, &c. 

The title of these Constitutions in de la Hogues Register, 
in the Charleston body, is as follows : 

" Constitutions and Regulations drawn up by Nine Commissioners appointed 
ad hoc, by the Sovereign Grand Sublime Council of the Sublime Princes of the 
Royal Secret." Aveilhes Register agrees perfectly with De la Hogues in 
title, date and place. 

The Second Article declares that the Royal Art, or the 
association of Free and Accepted Masons is regularly divided 
into twenty-five degrees, distributed into seven classes, which 
are there given, beginning with the apprentice and ending 



KITE OF PEEFECTION. 59 

with the Sublime Prince of the Rojal Secret, twenty-fifth 
degree. 

By Article Third, the governing body of the rite is shown to 
be ''The Sovereign Grand Council of the Sublime Princes of 
the Royal Secret, and it is provided that it shall be composed 
of the Presidents, of all the particular Councils of Paris and 
Bordeaux. 

By Article Sixth, the Sovereign Grand Council was to elect 
seventeen officers annually, ten with different titles and seven 
Inspectors, who were to meet under the orders of the 
Sovereign Princes, or his Deputy General. 

The regulations in several of their provisions, define the 
powers of the Inspectors whom they generally style Grand 
Inspectors, and of the Deputies whom they were authorized to 
appoint. They were to represent the Sovereign Grand Cou'noil 
in the provinces and foreign countries ; visit, inspect, and pre- 
side in subordinate bodies, and could within their respective 
jurisdictions in foreign countries, create and constitute Lodges 
and Councils. 

The Thirty- third Article declared the degree of Prince of 
the Royal Secret, to be the Sublime and last degree of Mason- 
ry, and gave stipulations for conferring it. 

Here, then, we have a sliort abstract of the meeting of the 
Commissioners in 1762, the Thirty-five Articles which they 
enacted, called the Constitutions and Regulations of the Order, 
fixing the number of degrees and their names, the office of 
Inspectors, their powers, &c. These are quotations from numer- 
ous French authors as Leveque, Kaufmann and Cherpin and 
others, and from the Registers of the Charleston body. They 
all agree in this matter. And on the first of May, 1786, they 
were confirmed, as we shall presently show, and have already 
shown in part, by the degrees and laws having continued un- 
changed until 1802. 

But let it not be forgotten, that not a single one of the 
French authors, nor any other heard of, makes mention of the 
name of Frederick of Prussia in connection with these laws or 
degrees, nor of Berlin ; it was at Paris and Bordeaux. And 
all that ever was known or written concerning Frederick of 



60 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Prussia, Berlin, the Constitutions as ratified at that East, &c., 
is to be found first, and only, in the written documents of the 
Charleston body, and is altogether unsupported by any res- 
pectable authority. De la Hogue, de Grass and Aveilhe, 
with Solomon Buih, and the documents now in hand, are the 
only authorities known for that fabrication. 
But to proceed : 

" On the 27tli December, 1773, the National Grand Lodge (the title at that 
time worn by the Grand Orient,) declared that it would thenceforward work in 
Symbolic Masonry only, and forbade the Lodges to go beyond the Third degree 
in their labors. Tliory says under this date — Suppression of the new National 
Grand Lodge — Appointment of a Committee to revise the High degrees — 
Messrs. Bacon de la Chevallerie, the Count de Stroganoff and the Baron de 
Touissant are appointed the Committee. The Lodges are requested to suspend 
all labors in the High degrees, as the Grand Orient itself did. It enjoined on 
the Lodges not to occupy themselvos with the High degrees, and to work only 
in the the first three Symbolic degrees, as, it added, itself was doing. In 1781 
and 1782 it created within itself a chamber of the High degrees, which labored 
at a revision of them, and early in 1786 reported four, viz., Elu, Ecossais, 
Knight of the East, and Rose Croix. These were adopted by the Grand Orient 
to be worked in addition to the three Symbolic degrees, and it thereupon 
decreed that no others should be worked in the Lodges and Chapters under its 
jurisdiction." 

Subsequently the union of all the Masonic bodies in France 
took place, merging themselves into the Grand Orient, as we 
have before shown see (Tables), and in the May following 
the great Convention took place, for the purpose of making 
Statutes and Regulations for the general government of the 
Order. It is this Convention, its date, and the code then 
adopted, which has been seized upon by the Charleston Jews, 
and turned into the celebrated Berlin affair for the production 
of the Secret Constitutions, manufactured (they say) by Frede- 
rick, for the purpose of forming the Ancient and Accepted 
Scottish Bite. 

The Beport of the Grand Orator of the Chamber of Bites 
(Paris) thus speaks of this matter : 

" That Supreme Council (Charleston) labors under very serious errors as it 
regards the laws by which it is governed, and the rights which it arrogates to 
itself. It refers to a decree of May 1st, 1786, fathered upon Frederick IL, 
King of Prussia, and by which, according to their statement, the Twenty-five 



RITE OF TEKFECTION. 61 

degrees have been exteDded to thirty-three, and the rules of the rite established 
for the future. This rite, in fact, has no other true regulations than those 
decreed at Bordeaux ; and, as it regards the laws of Frederick II., it is most 
certain that they never had an existence. No traces of them have ever yet been 
discovered, either in Paris or Berlin, before the year 1804, and then they were 
brought from Charleston to Paris by the Count de Grasse." 

Thus we have a very clear and concise account of the Con- 
stitution of 1762 and the General Statues and Regulations of 
178G ; but no mention is made of Berlin, or Frederick of Prussia, 
There is no mention made of any rite but that of Perfection, 
in twenty-live degrees. Nor is it a possible thing that Frede- 
rick could have been declared Grand Commander of the Order 
of the Royal Secret, or proclaimed Chief of the degrees of the 
two hemispheres, as those degrees only came into existence as 
a rite in 1758 — and Stephen Morin received his power in 1761, 
in which his (Frederick's) name is not mentioned ; furthermore, 
the degrees were not carried out of France as a rite at so 
early a day, except in the case of Morin : certainly not to 
Prussia, as we shall presently see. 

We qaote again : 

" Frederick II. never received or practiced the Ancient and Accepted Scot- 
tish Eite, and never proceeded in Masonry further than the Third degree. He 
probably was acquainted with Fessler's system — six Higher degrees ; or Zin- 
neudorf's — four higher degrees. The rite in Masonry now known as the 
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Kite, as well as the Kite of Perfection, or the 
Ineffable degrees, are not now known, nor have they ever been known or prac- 
ticed in Prussia (1852) . It is certain that no other system is followed or known 
in Prussia but that of Fessler, which has but nine degrees, viz., three Symbolic 
and six higher degrees ; or that of Zinnendorf, composed of seven degrees, viz., 
three Symbolic and four higher degrees ; the one practiced by the Grand Lodge 
Eoyal York of Friendship, and the other by the Grand National Lodge of 
Germany, both sitting in Berlin. It therefore is perfectly well demonstrated, 
that the Scottish Kite, in thirty-three degrees, or in twenty-five degrees, has 
always been, and is now (1852), entirely unknown in Prussia, notwithstanding 
the assertion contained in the famous Charleston document, that Frederick II. 
was Sovereign Grand Commander in the Scottish Rite, and had willed the 
establishment of a Supreme Council for each nation. 

*' The King of Sweden, Duke of Sudermania, &c., was never a deputy of the 
King of Prussia, was never acknowledged as such by the Craft, neither in 
whole nor in part, and never possessed the Thirty-third degree regularly, — as 
the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, as well as the Thirty-third degree, is 



62 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

entirely unknown to Swedish Masonry. It must, therefore, have been conferred 
upon him as a matter of courtesy, by the Supreme Council of Charleston, after 
ike jjear 1802, if he has the degree at all. 

" Challon de JoinviUe has never been a deputy of the King of Prussia, nor 
has he assumed that quality on the Patent of Sephen Morin. The assertion 
is — false altogether. He was the substitute or deputy of Louis of Bourbon, 
Prince of the Blood, Count Clermont, then Grand Master of the Order of 
France. 

" The Grand Constitutions of the Thirty-third degree, called the Supreme 
Council of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, were not ratified or pro- 
claimed by His Majesty the King of Prussia, nor by any other Majesty what- 
ever, either in 1762 or 1786, as the Thirty-third degree was never even known, 
or heard of, until the year 1804. (In Europe.) 

" Now it is well known that this rite, in fact, has no other true Regulations 
or Laws than those decreed at Bordeaux, on the 20th September, 1761, by the 
Commissaries of the Council of the Emperors of the East and West, of Paris, 
and of the Council of Princes of the Royal Secret, of Bordeaux. As it regards 
the laws of Frederick II., it is dear and certain that they never had any existence. 
That assertion concerning that monarch is a complete fabrication. And if they 
had ever been made, it would be at Berlin, not at Paris, and still less at Char- 
leston, South Carolina, that the traces of their origin should be found. All 
members of the Scottish Rite must, consequently, now give up the idea of 
enforcing the pretended Grand Constitutions of 1786. Thus the prescription, 
concerning the number and seat of the several Supreme Councils of the Uni- 
verse, can no more be admitted or allowed ; still les's can it be applied to the 
equally extravagant dispositioii by which a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 
of the Thirty-third degree had the power of making Masons, of convening 
them, &c., or of forming a Supreme Council in countries where there was 
none. 

" Supreme Councils must follow the common law. They must derive their 
powers from a regular authority of the rite, and they can establish their seat in 
such States as have none. This principle has been sanctioned by the Grand 
Orient of Brazil, which made application to the Grand Orient of France for 
the powers necessary for the establishment of the Scottish Rite, and to the for- 
mation of a Supreme Council in its bosom. Said principle has again been 
recently resorted to in the Grand Orient and Supreme Council of New Grenada, 
which for twenty years past has practiced the Scottish Rite in said republic, 
and had been first formed under the pretended Constitutions of 1786. This 
authority has been regularized by the Grand Orient of France, and has thus 
become a regular Scottish power in New Grenada. 

" The pretended Constitutions of the Thirty- third degree were probably the 
General Regulations and Statutes of the Order, promulgated at the Union and 
Convention in Paris, May, 1786. This was a Union of all the Masonic bodies 
in France into one grand body, denominated the Grand Orient of France" 
[Appendix, Doc. No. 3.] 



RiTE OF PERFECTION. 63 

Added to this, will be found in the Appendix, No. 9, an offi- 
cial document in answer to some inquiries made in 1833. The 
document comes from the old Scotch Directory of the "National 
Grand Lodge of the Three Globes," Berlin, and is now on 
record in the archives of the Grand Orient of France. 

But again. In the official proceedings of the centennial 
celebration of the initiation of Frederick the Great, King of 
Prussia, into the fraternity of Masons, by the Grand National 
Mother Lodge of the Three Globes, Berlin, 1838, the Orator 
of the occasion endeavors to correct the assertions advanced 
in regard to Frederick by several French systems of Masonry, 
and positively declares that he never actively participated in 
any work except in that of the real Masonic degrees, and that 
he was opposed to the High degrees. 

Lenning, in his Encyclopedia, gives the following information 
concerning Frederick : 

" Frederick II., third King of Prussia, known as Frederick the Great, born 
in Berlin, January 24tli, 1712, died at the Chateaux Sans Souci August 17th, 
1786. He was made a Mason at Brunswick, on the evening of August 14th, 
1738, by a Masonic deputation from the Lodge ' Absalom,' at Hamburg, con- 
sisting of the Barons Yon Oberg, Yon Bielfield, Yon Lowen, the Count of 
Lippe Bruckburg, and some others. On the death of his father, in 1740, he 
ascended the throne of Prussia, and in June of the same year, we find him pre- 
siding as Master over a Lodge at Charlottenburg, in which he initiated several 
eminent persons. In regard to his supposed connection with the Scottish Rite^ 
all well informed persons are aware that, during the last fifteen years of his life, 
Frederick neither directly or indirectly occupied himself with Masonry. It is 
far more likely that he always was a declared enemy of the High degrees, 
because he, like many other respectable brethren of Germaiiy, had learnt to 
regard them as the root of all corruption in the Masonic fraternity, and as the 
seed from which sprang the schisms between Lodges and systems." 

We would call attentio-n to the Appendix, Document No. 10, 
where this part of the subject is quite fully examined — {Dispatch, 
August 31.) 

We have thus exhibited the claim which these pretenders 
make to the King of Prussia as the Grand Commander of the 
Order for both hemispheres, and it is certainly a most strange 
thing that, if what they say be true, it should not have been 
known in Prussia at all, even up to the year 1850 — that no 



64 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

mention whatever is made by historians concerning the connec- 
tion of King Frederick with this Order — that there is not a 
document of any kind in existence, prior to 1802, save this one, 
which bears testimony to any such connection. 

Since that time many disputes have arisen in France, on 
account of such a strange assertion, especially because it was 
at Paris, and not at Berlin, that the Convention of Commis- 
sioners met, in 1762, for the purpose of framing the Constitu- 
tions and Regulations, which should permanently govern the 
Order, and the name of Frederick, either directly, or by 
allusion, was never mentioned. 

The simple truth is, that the assertion is false — a complete 
fabrication from the beginning to the end. We have indisput- 
able evidence that King Frederick, Frederick II., or Frederick 
the Great, was a Master Mason, but for any more than this, 
we challenge the proof. While on the other hand, there is 
abundant evidence, and that of the most positive kind, to prove 
that he had no connection whatever with the High degrees, and 
was very much opposed to them : so much so, that he denounced 
them as evil in their tendency and not to be meddled with. 

We will now take up the Constitutions which he is said to 
have ratified, and known as the " JYova Instituta Secreta,^^ &c. 
[See copy in Appendix of the Secret Constitutions — Document 
No. 28.] 

This document claims that — " On the 1st of May, 1786, the 
Constitutions of the Thirty-third degree, called the Supreme 
Council of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, was 
finally ratified by His Majesty, the King of Prussia, who, as 
Grand Commander of the Order of Princes of the Royal 
Secret, possessed the Sovereign Masonic power over the whole 
Craft. In the new Constitutions this high power was conferred 
on a Supreme Council of nine brethren in each nation, who 
possess all the Masonic prerogatives, in their own district, that 
His Majesty possessed, and are Sovereigns in Masonry J^ It is 
on these Constitutions that they base all their powers, and we 
shall examine a little into their authenticity. 

Vassal, in his Essai Historique sur V Institution du Rit Ecos- 
sai, &c. : Paris, 1827, page 19, alluding to the various impo- 
sitions of de Grasse Tilly and others, says : 



RFJ^E OF PERFECTION. 65 

" They had recourse to fraud, and in order to impose with more safety, it 
was declared that these constitutions had been granted by Frederick II., 
King of Prussia, who in granting them instituted the Thirty-second and 
Thirty-third degrees on May 1st,, 1786, and in order to give color to this 
fable, it was asserted that Frederick was Grand Master of the universality of 
the Scottish Rite. We will add, that he could not have been Grand Master 
of the Scottish Rite, because since 1750, only reformed Masonry (rite of 
Fessler and Zinnendorf) was professed in Prussia. We know that the King 
of Prussia protected the Order, but he was never Grand Master, and had he 
been that prior to the 1st of May, 1786, he was afflicted with an apoplexy, 
which was followed by paralysis, and which deprived him of a portion of his 
intellectual faculties. This malady continued eleven months without intermis- 
sion, and he died in the course of this year, from whence it follows, that he 
could not create the Thirty-second and Thirty-third degrees, and still less sign 
the pretended Grand Constitutions on May 1st, 1786. The opinion which we 
express is the more precise, for if we consult Vol. 3d, of the Hist, de la Mon- 
archee Prussienne, published by Mirabeau in 1786, we find the following 
passage : ''It is a pity that Frederick II. did not push his zeal to become 
Grand Master of all the German lodges, or at least, of ail the Prussian lodges ; 
his power would thereby have been considerably increased, and many military 
enterprises would have resulted differently if he had never embroiled himself 
with the heads of this association.' [Note. A consideration which cannot have 
escaped even the least observant Masons is, that if the Thirty-second degree had 
been created by the King of Prussia, this degree would, at least, have retained 
some analogy with the reformed Masonry which was practiced in Prussia, 
while, on comparing this degree with the Twenty-fifth degree of Heredom, we 
find so perfect an identity between the two degrees, that they contain the same 
doctrines, the same ritual, and the same historical points, whence it results that 
the Prince of the Royal Secret is nothing but the Twenty-fifth degree of 
Heredom, which has been transposed to the Thirty-second degree."] 

" These documents demonstrate that the King of Prussia was never Grand 
Master of the Scottish Rite, and that in 1786 he was physically unable to 
create any degrees or to institute these pretended constitutions, and we regret 
that the authors of the circular of the Grand Orient of 1819, should have 
entertained an erroneous principle, by recognizing that Frederick II. had given 
Grand Constitutions for the Scottish Rite. Notwithstanding this formal 
assertion, we persist in believing that these Grand Constitutions never 
existed. The Bro. de Marguerrites has gone even further. He asserts in a 
memoir, published in 1818; that a Scottish Knight had in his possession, the 
original of these constitutions, signed manxL propria by the great Frederick, 
King of Prussia — we may observe that the Knight must have been of high 
birth to have been so intimately connected with the great Frederick, that this 
monarch should have confided to his care, the Grand Constitutions signed by 
his own hand, and that he must have been well advanced in years, because he 



66 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

must have been a Thirty-third in 1786, in order to be entrusted with a docu- 
ment which was inherent to the cahier of this degree." 

" We can also affirm, that since 1814, the Grand Consistory of Rites in 
France has conferred the Thirty-third degree upon many Prussian officers 
who were old Masons, and none of them had any knowledge of the existence of 
a Supreme Council at Berlin. Therefore if the Thirty-third degree, and the 
Scottish Rite, are unknown at the place where they were created, how can it 
be asserted that the great Frederick instituted this degree^ and gave a Masonic 
Charter, whidh other kingdoms should enjoy and his own be deprived of." 

" The genuineness of the Constitutions of 1786 was first attacked in a dis- 
course delivered before the Sov. Scotch Chapter, ' Pere du Famille, at Angers, 
in February, 1812, and published in the Hermes, Vol. 1, page 296. The 
author states, that before May 1st, 1786, Frederick had had an attack of 
apopleptic asphyxia, that his sickness lasted eleven months without intermission, 
or improvement, and he died in 1786. For this he refers to L' Historie 
Secrete de la Cour de Berlin, 1789, Vol. 1, page 215." 

Chemin Dupontes, in his Memoire sur V Ecociss, says : 

" Frederick the Great protected Masonry, but neither he, nor his Council, 
amused themselves with making degrees, and if they had done so we should 
recognize their work. Besides, Frederick died August 17th, 1786, after a 
painful illness of eleven months. He could not therefore, on the 1st of May of 
the same year, have made, or approved, any Masonic regulations." 

Clavel, in his Hist. Pitt., says : 

" That from the year 1744 until his death, Frederick in no wise concerned 
himself about Masonry, that on the 1st of May, 1786, he was dying, and 
absolutely incapable of attending to any business whatever, that he was the 
declared enemy of the High degrees, which he considered an injury to 
Masonry, and that there never was a Council of the Thirty-third degree in Prus- 
sia, where, previous to 1786, the Rite of Perfection had been, for the most part, 
abandoned." 

Schlosser, in his History of the Eighteenth Century, says : 

" Frederick II. himself, continued to belong to this Order till after the Sile- 
sian war. He ceased to be a member shortly before the commencement of the 
Seven Tears' war, at the very time when these orders began to be abused for 
every species of deception, and he also commanded such of his Ministers of 
State as belonged to the Order, to desist from visiting their Lodges." 

This is only a part of the testimony which has been given 
by authors relative to Frederick the Great and the Constitu- 
tions of 1786, but it is deemed sufficient to prove fully, the 
falsity and the folly of the pretensions made in this memorable 
document. The most able defenders of the rite may be said 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 6T 

to have abandoned these pretensions, and have now taken quite 
another stand. They aver that it is a matter of very little 
consequence, whether Frederick the Great was connected with 
the Order or not ; or whether he made the degrees, or ratified 
the Constitutions, <fec. Tliat the true state of the case is, that 
these Constitutions were adopted by the persons who formed 
the Rite, as the fundamental law, and governing power of the 
Rite. That they have been accepted as such, down to the 
present time, and therefore they are the fundamental law. Mr. 
Lamarre^ in his Defence, page 31, says ; 

" The first known body of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was the 
Supreme Council at Charleston. It adopted the Constitutions of 1786 as the 
law of the Rite. That law, so adopted, prescribed the number of Supreme 
Councils, and limited the powers of those who should attain to the Thirty-third 
degree," &c. 

And it is equally true, that it prescribes the number of 
degrees to be contained in the rite, the manner in which they 
shall be placed, &c. The question, then, may be asked with 
propriety — Why were not the founders of the new rite governed 
by their Constitution, in making up the schedule of the degrees 
at the close of their document. Read with attention what 
that Constitution requires : 

" And it is further declared that, all the degrees of all the rites so united, 
from the First to the Eighteenth inclusive, should be arranged among the 
degrees of the Rite of Perfection : each in its proper place and order, and as 
analogy and similitude required, and would compose the eighteen first degrees 
of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite ; that the Nineteenth and Twenty- 
third degrees of the rite which is called Primitive shall form the Twentieth of 
the Order ,• the Twentieth and Twenty-third of the Rite of Perfection, or Six- 
teenth and Twenty-fourth of the Primitive Rite, shall be the Twenty-first and 
Twenty-eighth of the Order ; the Princes of the Royal Secret shall form the 
Thirty second degree under the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, who con- 
stitute the Thirty-third and last degree of the Order ; the Thirty-first shall be 
the degree of Sov. Judges Commander ; the Sovereign Commanders, Sovereign 
Knights Elect Kadosh shall constitute the Thirtieth degree ; the Twenty-third, 
Twenty-ninth, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh and Twenty-ninth 
degrees shall be formed of the Chief of the Tabernacle, Princes of the Taber- 
nacle, Knights of the Brazen Serpent, Princes of Mercy, Sovereign Grand 
Commanders of the Temple, and Sovereign Scotch Knights of St. Andrew, 
(Nova Instituta Secreta)." 



68 SCOTTISH EITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Here is the formula for the arrangement of the system, and 
it would appear that no mistake could occur with these laws 
before them. The schedule on this document ought to have 
agreed perfectly with this classification ; the numbers and the 
names should have been made exactly to correspond. Although 
the framers of these Constitutions have forgotten the Nine- 
teenth, thus making thirty-two degrees in all, yet in following 
it, the founders of the rite would have manifested a disposition 
to be governed by its laws. But now look at the schedule. 
(See pages 53-54, also Document No. 7.) Here is a great dis- 
crepancy. While the authors of the Constitutions or Institutes 
have forgotten the Nineteenth and Twenty-fourth, and doubled 
the Twenty-ninth, the founders of this new rite have left out the 
Twenty-ninth, or Grand Knights of St. Andrew ; the Thirty- 
first, or Grand Inquisitor and Inspector Commander ; they 
have displaced the Kadosh, and have made three degrees out 
of Prince of the Royal Secret. Now if it be true, as Dalcho 
affirms in his orations, " that the degrees of the rite have 
undergone no change, no alteration whatever, and the founders 
of the rite meant to give them as they were, and under the 
same forms which they then had since many centuries before," 
how does this terrible mistake happen? Surely the wise 
founders of the rite had reflected well upon the work before 
them ; and in publishing to the Masonic world the number, 
and style, of the degrees included in their system, and which 
they proposed to confer, it cannot be supposed, for a moment, 
that these degrees were forgotten, or that any possible mistake 
could have crept in. But so it appears. 

Again. How could the degree of '^Commander of the Temple " 
be included in the Institutes as one of the system of 1786, 
when it appears, by their own statement, that in 1797 it was 
being conferred in Charleston, by Montmain, as a detached 
degree. The Rite of Perfection knew nothing of this degree. 
It was never introduced into the Council until purchased from 
Montmain, and was first announced in 1802. Moreover, it is 
declared by the defenders of the rite : 

"All these degrees did not exist in France prior to 1786, nor until 1804. 
The Thirty-third did not. There was never any such degree known there until 



RITE OF PERFECTION. gg 

1804 as that of Sovereign Grand Inspector General, superior to Prince of the 
Royal Secret. And it is perfectly well known to all Masons who have at all 
examined the subject, that no such degrees as Chief of the Tabernacle, Prince 
of the Tabernacle, Knight of the Brazen Serpent, and Prince of Mercy, are 
to be found in the nomenclature of any of the old degrees existing prior to 
1804. Le Tuileur of I'Aulnaye says, as lately as 1840 : ' These four degrees — 
the Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth, Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth— are not 
found in France.' Accordingly the Scottish Masons regard them as the Holy 
Ark." — Lamarre, page 33. 

We cannot do better than to give an extract from Historical 
Inquiry, by Foulhouze, He says, page 11 : 

" It seems that, with this document in hand, the founders of the pretended 
Supreme Council at Charleston should have been in no manner embarrassed, 
and that the list which they gave in their circular of 1802, ought to have been 
an exact copy of the degrees of the Rite, under the names, and according to the 
order mentioned in that document. 

" Their list, it is true, would have numbered no more than thirty-one degrees, 
for the authors of the Institutes have forgotten the Nineteenth and Twenty- 
fourth, and doubled the Twenty-ninth ; but it would at least have proved that 
Dalcho and his confreres united a little sense with their modest ambition for 
notoriety and originality. 

" By comparing this list of degrees (Charleston document) with that of 1762, 
(Acts of the Sup. Counc. of France, page 4, et seq.,) and with the provisions 
of the pretended Institutes of 1786 (Nova Instituta Secreta), any one will 
comprehend that, at the time they made it, none of them knew the Constitu- 
tions of 1762, nor the Institutes of 1786 ; that, therefore, those Institutes arc 
of a date after the year 1802, and that the above list was hastily set up by 
men, who, as they had in hand but thirty-one of the rituals brought by Stephen 
Morin, did not even think of the Grand Knights of St. Andrew and the Grand 
Inquisitor Commander, and that they took the object for the name of the 
* Grand Scotch Knight of the Sacred Vault,' displacing the Kadosh, and left 
the Grand Pontiff under the number which it had in the list of Stephen 
Morin. 

" And the proof that they did not even suspect the necessity of those Insti- 
tutes to conceal their design, and that they believed that the first forgery (we 
speak of the Constitutions of 1786) sufficed for their purpose, is, that Dalcho, 
in his orations, afBrms, as we have before stated, that the degrees of the rite 
have undergone no change— no alteration whatever ; and means, therefore, in 
his circular, to give them as they were, and under the same forms which they then 
liod since many centuries before. Thus it may be said that, on the one side, they 
themselves condemned those Institutes, and that now they are evidently con- 
demned by them. 

" AYhat we find both laughable and scandalous, in connection with the signa- 



70 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPED. 

tures of those Institutes, is, the note annexed by the authors of the treaty of 
alliance between the Supreme Councils of France, Brazil and the Westens 
Hemisphere. In order to account for the absence of names in those places 
marked with asterisks, they say that these asterisks serve to designate the 
places of those signatures that have become illegible, or effaced by feiction or 
SEA WATEK, to which the original, written on parchment, has been accidentally 
exposed on several occasions. 

" This precious manuscript is now deposited within the archives of one of 
the Confederated Supreme Councils, and its future preservation is, therefore, 
assured. 

" What ! The Great Frederick ratifies a Constitution which is written od 
parchment, and behold, the original — or as the French text says, ' Vampliation 
originale ' — thereof travels over land and sea, instead of being kept in the 
archives of the Supreme Council of Berlin I That important Council (for with- 
out it, without the identity of its members being fully substantiated, what 
becomes of all those who pretend to descend therefrom,) immediately abandons 
the only proof of its birth and legitimacy, to the accidents of most dangerous 
voyages. And, notwithstanding the necessity of preserving that document in 
the very place where it originated and took its full force and vigor, in order 
that, under all circumstances, it might give faith, credence and authority to the 
institution which had adopted it for its foundation, and when it was easy to 
expedite to any person having a right thereto, duly certified copies thereof, 
behold, it is exposed to accidents from flood and field, from salt water, and 
frictions of all sorts ! 

" But is it true that there was but one original — ampliation originale — of 
that document ? If so, the signers have averred a scandalous untruth ; for 
they declare, in their certificate to the aforementioned institutes, statutes, con- 
stitutions and appendices, that the official copies, or ampliations thereof, are 
deposited, and have been carefully and faithfully preserved, in all their purity, 
among the archives of the Order, and (further below) that the copies which 
they have examined are faithful, and literally conformable to the original text 
of those documents. 

" There is no possibility here to avoid an unhappy and disagreeable dilemma. 
The French word ' ampliation ' means either a duplicate or supplement. If it 
means a duplicate or copy, where was the original, which has not probably 
been so unfortunate as to be exposed to sea water and friction ? We 
might there find all the signatures it ever had, in a legible condition. If it 
means a supplement, the main text would have received the signatures as well 
as the supplement to the text. We ask again, where is the original document 
with its signatures in full ? The salt water and friction dodge is a weak sub- 
terfuge, and not likely to carry conviction with it, to the mind of any honest 
man of ordinary intelligence." 
Again : 

" The Institutes are under the date of 1286, and consequently were signed 



KITE OF PERFECTION. 71 

by Frederick II. five hundred years at least before his birth. The Appen- 
dices have no date at all (which goes far towards destroying their validity). 
Those documents being three in number, to wit., the Institutes, signed by 
Frederick alone, and the Constitutions and Appendices bearing the same signa- 
tures at a distance of several pages, the sea water or friction did so manage its 
work of destruction, as to touch only the same names in both places, leaving 
all the rest of the text in the most perfect condition.' ' 

" iSTow we say, that neither of those distinguished gentlemen associated upon 
the commission would have given their approval to such absurdities, if they 
had taken the trouble of reading and examining those documents, with the 
note which is attributed to them, as explanatory of the absence of signatures 
which, it is alleged, were originally affixed to those documents, and more 
especially so, if it were true, that there are several official ampliations and an 
original, because in that case, the miracle operated either by sea water or 
friction, which through a proceeding of its own, went to destroy the very same 
signatures on each of those ampliations and on the original itself. So remark- 
able an occurrence would have been exceedingly interesting to their scientific 
men, and carrying with it so liberal a seasoning of the supernatural, the fact 
well authenticated, would have been of inestimable value to the faithful, &c. 

The claims which this extraordinary document set up, are, 

First. The establishment of an entire, new, exclusive rite, 
in the year 1801, of thirty-three degrees, named in the 
Schedule, the Order taking the name of Ancient and Accepted 
Scottish Rite. It has been clearly proved that this boasted new 
rite was nothing more than the Eite of Perfection, with eight 
degrees crowded in, to make up the thirty-three. 

Second. Its great antiquity, pretending to have been founded 
in the primeval age. This has been clearly proved to be false, 
by showing that Masonry, in any of its rites, was not known 
or practiced in France before the year 1725, and then only in 
three Symbolic degrees ; that in 1736 they began to make addi- 
tions, and in 1756 they had manufactured an immense number 
of Rites and Degrees ; among the number of which was this 
Rite of Perfection ; that before this period there was no Ineffa- 
ble Masonry in Europe, and that the pretence of a Scottish 
basis, or its transmission from Scotland by a nobleman, was 
simply, absurd. In this Synopsis all known rites are given, 
except the " Rite of MisraimJ' which was set up in the nine- 
teenth century. 

Third. That Stephen florin was the founder, by appointing 



•72 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

M. M. Hays for America, whereas it appears by their own 
documents which have been made public, particularly the Reg- 
ister of Aveilhe, de la Hogue, and De Grasse, as well as from 
history, that Morin appointed Frankin first, and Frankin ap- 
pointed M. M. Hays some years afterwards in Boston, Mass. 
If the document of Morins recall in 1766, which we have given 
in the appendix, be authentic, (and there is no reason to doubt 
it) many of his proceedings were illegal. At the best, Morin 
was not a Sovereign Grand Inspector General when these ap- 
pointments were made, nor was he or any of those who were 
appointed by him, members of that degree at all ; that as it is 
generally conceded by all authors that the thirty-third degree 
was not known in the world before the year 1802, and then 
only in the Supreme Council in Charleston, it is clear that the 
persons composing that body, manufactured it themselves out 
of the " rav) material.''^ 

Fourth. " That Frederick of Prussia was Grand Commander 
of the Order of Princes of the Royal Secret in 1762, had an 
East at Berlin, ratified Constitutions, made laws, &c.'' The 
falsehood of the whole of this pretension is clearly demon- 
strated from the beginning to the end. He was not the Grand 
Commander of the Rite of Perfection or of Sublime Masons ; 
was not at the Convention of 1762 or 1786, either in person, 
or by substitute, or by Deputy ; was not acquainted with the 
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite ; he did not form or estab- 
lish the thirty-third degree, nor had he any acquaintance what- 
ever with any of the proceedings attributed to him. That 
Challon de Joinville was not then, nor was he ever, the 
Deputy, substitute, or representative of " His Majesty the King 
of Prussia," but was the substitute or deputy of Louis of 
Bourbon, Count Clermont, Prince of the Blood, the then 
Grand Master of the Order in France. That Charles, Here- 
ditary Prince of Sweden, Duke of Sudermania, &c., was never 
a deputy of the King of Prussia, was entirely unacquainted 
with this rite, and that if he ever was possessed of the thirty- 
third degree, it must have been after the year 1802, and then 
conferred upon him as a matter of courtesy by these inventors 
of degrees. 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 73 

Fifth. That the Constitutions of 1786, purporting to have 
been ratified, and signed by Frederick II, are a base forgery, 
never having been known before the year 1802, and in all 
probability, not until some years after that date, being fully 
demonstrated to be such by the article itself, as well as by 
history. 

The document is lengthy, but it is hoped that the examina- 
tion of it in some of its parts, has not been unprofitable. 
Much of it remains unnoticed. We have only taken up those 
falsehoods which more immediately and directly concern the 
oriQ:in of the desirees, the laws which govern them, the doc- 
tfines which they promulgate, and the influence these have 
had upon those, who have in succeeding years, become 
acquainted with the Exalted degrees of Masonry. We do not 
hesitate to say, that this document has been the germ from 
which has sprung up all the quarrels and dissensions, all the 
suspicions and doubts, all the bitterness and bad feeling, which 
have been so manifest, particularly as it regards the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory of Joseph Cerneau, and the strife in France 
between the Grand Orient and the Supreme Council there, be- 
ginning, as will presently be shown, in 1804, and continuiug 
almost to the present day. It was extensively circulated at 
the time of its publication, it was silently received by the 
masses of the Masonic order, because they were ignorant of 
most of the doctrines which it taught, and it has since become 
in a great degree, a kind of hand-book for quotations, in 
matters relating to Supreme Councils, and the Exalted degrees 
of Masonry. 

These we have undertaken to refute and expose, not so much 
fromx our own testimony, as from the declarations and writings 
of others, who have perhaps examined the subject more deeply 
and are much better acquainted with it than ourselves. How 
well we have succeeded in the refutation, is, of course, left to 
the judgement of the reader to decide. It has been before 
stated, that among other bodies to which this document was 
forwarded, was the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and the feeling 
manifested by that body at its reception was so decided, as to 
call forth a stern rebuke, as appears in the following abstract 
from their minutes : 



74 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Extract, 1802. 

" This year a circular letter was received from a body styling itself ' The 
Supreme Grand Council of America.^ The spirit of the Eluminati which it 
breathed, and the Supernumerary degrees, amounting to over fifty which it 
authorized, were sufficient reasons for drawing down the Contempt of Scottish 
Masons, whose honor it is to hate preserved Free Masonry for many centuries 
in its Original and Simple form, and whose pride it shall ever be, to transmit 
to the latest posterity, the principles and ceremonies of their order, unpolluted 
and unimpaired." — Lawrie. 

And Dr. Frederick Dalcho, one of the signers of this docu- 
ment, became ashamed in after years^ of the great mistake he 
had made, in the advocacy of Masonry itself as an Order of 
great antiquity and in lending his name for such purposes. 
He published a second edition of his " Ahimon Rezin,^^ with 
additions and explanatory notes in 1822. He speaks in a very 
diflferent manner there. In an address delivered to the Frater- 
nity, he says, " The Principles of our order are coeval with 
the creation. Founded upon the laws of nature and the com- 
mands of God, nothing had precedence of them in time. The 
origin of the Society, however, as an institution, distinct from 
other associations, is involved in impenetrable obscurity. And 
notwithstanding the learning and zeal of many industrious 
Masons, it will, I fear, forever remain unknown. Various 
indeed have been the speculations on this subject, and great 
has been the labor expended by many ' good men and true/ to 
prove that every man of note from Adam down to the present 
day, were Free Masons. But such round assertions are be- 
neath the dignity of the Order and would not be urged by 
men of letters. Neither Adam, nor Noah, nor Nimrod, nor 
Moses, nor Joshua, nor David, nor Solomon, nor Hiram, nor 
St. John the Baptist, nor St. John the Evangelist, belonged to 
the Masonic Order, however congenial their principles may 
have been. It is unwise to assert more than we can prove, 
and to argue against probability. Hypothesis in history is 
absurd. There is no record. Sacred or Profane, to induce us 
to believe that these holy and distinguished men were Free 
Masons, and our traditions do not go to their days. To assert 
that tliey were Free Masons ' may make the vulgar stare,' but 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 75 

will rather excite the contempt than the admiration of the 
wise. If St. John was a Free Mason, then it was impossible 
that Solomon should have been one, because his lodges could 
not have been dedicated to St. John, who was not born until a 
thousand years after the first Temple was built, therefore 
there would have been in St. John's day what there was not 
in Solomon's, which would be contrary to our known princi- 
ples. And besides, if both these personages were Free Masons, 
then we have the evidence that Solomon was the greater 
Mason of the two, and our lodges should be dedicated to him 
instead of St. John. But if Solomon was a Free Mason, then 
there could not have been a Free Mason in the world from the 
day of the Creation down to the building of the Temple, as 
must be evident to every Master Mason. 

The excellence of our institution depends upon its usefulness, 
and not its antiquity. It is sufi&cient for us to know, that 
the origin of the institution is so remote, that the date is lost 
in the lapse of ages, and can now be only indistinctly traced 
by occasional records, and the traditions of the Order. When 
the Hindoos claim for their Shastras an antiquity of more than 
two millions of years ; when the Chaldeans boast of observa- 
tions of the stars for more than four hundred and seventy 
thousand years ; and Manetho Sabennetta, the High Priest of 
Heliopolis, claims for the Egyptians a national existence of 
nearly fifty-four thousand years ; who would hesitate to pro- 
nounce them all fabulous ? Let Free Masons then give up the 
vain boastings which ignorance has foisted into the Order, and 
relinquish a fabulous antiquity, rather than sacrifice common 
sense. Let us trace our principles to Adam, or even to God 
himself, with reverence be it spoken, but let us not excite the 
pity of the wise, by calling Adam a Free Mason. 



CHAPTER FOURTH. 

PROGRESS OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED 
SCOTTISH RITE. 

A difficulty with the Grand Lodge of South Carolina averted. — Progress. — 

Augustus Prevost. — Pierre le Barbiere Plessis. — Wm. Moore Smith 

Moses Seixas. — Moses Cohen. — John Gabriel Tardy. — Abraham Jacobs, 
his exploits in Savannah, and other parts of Georgia. — J. J. J. Gourgas. — 
Registers. — Count de Grasse — he goes to France and establishes the Supreme 
Grand Council Thirty-third degree, Ancient and Accepted Rite, in Paris 
1804. — Quarrel thereupon between the Grand Orient and the Supreme 
Council of De Grasse. — Particulars. — The Claims of both. — The Charleston 
Council in 1802. — Sublime Lodge and Council of Savannah, Georgia. — 
How ! and by Whom ! — Formed. — Charleston Council 1813. 

We will now resume the history. When the document, 
which we have just finished reviewing, made its appearance, it 
may well be supposed that it created a sensation among the 
Brethren of South Carolina. The report from the Grand 
Orient before quoted from, states, 

" The Masons of the York rite, working in South Carolina, under the juris- 
diction of a regular Grand Lodge, were astonished at these high degrees claim- 
ing a Supremacy over the Order, and through the Grand Lodge of the State, 
they inquired about their origin, and from whence they held their powers. The 
Supreme Council appointed a commission composed of Brother Frederick 
Dalcho, K. H. P. of the R. S. Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 
Thirty-third degree, Emanuel De la Motta and Isaac Auld, both of the same 
grade, to make a report on the subject. The brethren reporters asserted, that 
in 1762, the Constitutions of the Scottish rite were transmitted to the 
Illustrious Brother Stephen Morin, who, on the 27th of August, 1761, had 
been acknowledged as General Inspector of all the Lodges, &c., in the New 
World, by the Grand Consistory of Princes of the Royal Secret, convened at 
Paris, &c. 

This report, it would seem, did not please them, or give the 
required satisfaction to them, concerning the unheard of 
powers which they had arrogated to themselves, of controling, 
and directing all the York lodges of the Symbolic degrees, by 
virtue of Stephen Morin's power. They did not inform them 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 77 

particularly where tliej obtained the name, and how, of Sove- 
reign Grand Inspectors.General of the Thirty- third degree, and 
*' Sovereigns in Masonry.''^ That Grand Lodge at once took 
exception to their proceedings, and disputed their authority. 
A pretty warm contest ensued, but it appeared in the sequel, 
that some of the officers in this Supreme Council, were also 
officers or members of the Grand Lodge, and by making con- 
cessions concerning the first three, or Symbolic degrees, the 
right over which they pretended to have " waived " in favor 
of the Grand Lodge, and through the interest and influence 
which they carried in that body, all difficulty was removed out 
of the way, and they went on with their work. 

Perhaps it would be as well to mention here, that this was 
the commencement of a strife among the brethren, which has 
continued to the present day. These parties, as the successors 
of Stephen Morin, and Sovereigns in Masonry, claim the right 
under the " JVova Instituta Secreta,^^ to establish Symbolic 
Lodges of the first three degrees, in the Scottish- rite. These 
Secret Institutes declare as follows : 

*' Numerous and pressing solicitations have of late and from all parts been 
addressed to us, which makes us feel the urgent necessity to oppose an effica- 
cious force to the spirit of intolerance, sect, schism, and anarchy, which inno- 
vators of a new kind endeavor to propagate among our brethren. Those men 
are guided by views, more or less restricted, thoughtless, blameable, and pre- 
sented under specious motives, which change the nature of Free Masonry, and 
tend to remove it from its object, and to make it fall into contempt and 
oblivion ; and informed as we are of all that now occurs in the neighboring 
States, we acknowledge that it is urgent to afford remedy thereto. 

" Therefore, and from motives of important interest, we have gathei'ed and 
united into one body of Free Masonry, all the rites of the Scotch System, the 
doctrines of which are universally acknowledged as agreeing with the Ancient 
Institutions, tending to the same end, forming the principal branches of one 
and the same tree, and difiering only as to certain forms already explained by 
the most part of Free Masons, and easy to conciliate. Those rites are 
acknowledged under the names of Ancient, Heredom, Kilwinning, St. Andrew, 
Council of Emperors of the East and West, Princes of the Royal Secret or 
Perfection, Philosophical and Primitive. 

" Taking, therefore, as the basis of our Conservatory reformation, the First 
of those rites, and the number of the Hierarchal degrees of the last we de- 
clare, that thus united, and agglomerated, those degrees constituted one single 
order, which professes the dogmas and pure doctrine of Ancient Free Ma^'onry, 



78 SCOTTISH EITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

and embraces all the Systems of Scotch Masonry united under the name of 
* Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite.' 

" Therefore, the doctrine shall be imparted to Masons in Thirty-three de- 
grees, divided into seven temples, or classes, which each of them shall be 
bound successively to pass through, before being initiated to the most Sublime 
and last, and to wait for each degree the delays, and undergo the trials, which 
the Secret Institutes, and ancient and modern rescripts of the Order of Per- 
fection require. 

" The FIRST degree shall be subject to the sp:cond, this one to the third, 
and so on, up to the most Sublime, or Thirty-third, which shall watch ovet 
ALL the others and reprehend and command them, the assemblage, or re-union 
of all those who are thereto initiated, forming for that purpose the Grand 
Supreme Dogmatic Council, Conservator of the order, which it shall 
GOVERN, and administer, in conformity with the present institutes, under 
the Constitutions soon to be established. (Nov. Inst. Secre.)" 

Such were the laws under which they pretended to act, and 
as a matter of course, to establish Lodges and confer the Sym- 
bolic degrees under the Scottish ritual. Its beginning dates 
from the year 1783, when they established a Lodge of Perfec- 
tion there, but it was opposed from its very commencement, on 
the ground, that the established Masonry of the land was that 
of the York rite, and that the establishment of another rite 
by its side, conferring the same degrees in another* form, was 
an unjustifiable interference, and would cause ceaseless confu- 
sion among the Craft. While on their part they assert, that 
persons initiated in a York lodge cannot know any thing con- 
cerning Scottish Masonry, that the three first degrees are as 
much a part of their system as the three last, the one being* 
incomplete without the other, and that they are bound by the 
laws under which they act, to govern and administer the Sym- 
bolic degrees in the Scottish Rite. 

But this difficulty appears to have been satisfactorily settled 
between the two parties at issue before penning the circular, 
for in that document they give notice to the Craft, that they 
waive the right of conferring the three first, or Blue degrees, 
to the regularly constituted Grand Lodges, which of right 
administer them. 

Having arranged matters to their satisfaction, these succes- 
sors of Stephen Morin were not idle, but followed closely in 
the footsteps of their predecessors. Although there was no 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 79 

regularly constituted body from which all these high sounding 
titles emanated, but all the Sovereign Grand Inspectors 
General of whom we have any account, received their degrees 
and titles, the one from the other, yet they kept on, and did not 
grow weary. Thus, in 1790, Frankin initiated, and appointed 
Augustus Prevost for the British Leeward islands, and he ini- 
tiated Pierre le Barbier Plessis for the State of Pennsylvania. 
Wm. Moore Smith was also appointed for the same State, and 
resided at Norristown, — M. M. Hays initiated and appointed 
Moses Seixas, a Jew, Sovereign Grand Inspector General for 
the State of Rhode Island, and in 1789, he exalted Moses 
Cohen, a Jew, in Philadelphia, and appointed him Deputy In- 
spector ; Brother Spitzer conferred the degrees on John 
Mitchell in Charleston in 1795, and made him a Deputy In- 
spector General for South Carolina. On the 14th day of 
October, 1807, Brother Pierre le Barbiere Plessis conferred 
the degrees on Johii Gabriel Tardy, and appointed him a Deputy 
Inspector General for Pennsylvania, and John Gabriel Tardy 
conferred the Kadosh, and Prince of the Royal Secret, upon 
Abraham Jacobs, November, 1810, made him a Deputy Grand 
Inspector and gave him a Patent dated November 24th, 1810. 
Jacobs had received the preceding Sublime degrees in King- 
ston, Jamaica, from the hand of Moses Cohen ; J. J. J. 
Gourgas, who was first initiated into Masonry in ' Lodge La 
Union Frangais, June 19th, 1806, and withdrew from the said 
Lodge on the 16th June, 1808, was initiated into the Sublime 
degrees in 1808, and made a Deputy Inspector, and finally, in 
1813, was made a Sovereign Grand Inspector General Thirty- 
third, by Emanuel De la Motta, his bosom friend. 

The so-called " Register s^^ present a curious spectacle of 
these operations. The register of De la Hogue contains, as 
its first entry, the filiation of the powers of Morin, as Inspec- 
tor General. It states then, that Morin gave the degree of 
Grand Deputy Inspector General to Frankin, at Kingston, 
Jamaica ; he to Moses M. Hays, at Boston ; he to Spitzer, at 
Charleston ; all the Deputies in Sublime Council at Philadel- 
phia, (themselves of course) to Moses Cohen ; he to Hyman 
Isaac Long ; and he to de la Hogue, De Grasse, &c., at 



80 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Charleston. To whom, viz. ; to De Grasse and de la Hogue, 
he, (Long,) gave, on the 12ih November, 1796, a Charter of 
Constitution, establishing a Sublime Grand Council of Princes 
of the Royal Secret at Charleston, South Carolina. 

There is also the " Register'^ of Aveilhe, which contains a 
copy of the Patent granted by Moses Cohen to Hyman Isaac 
Long, on the 12th of January, 1794. 

The " Register^^ of Moses Holbrook is the copy of a Patent 
given by Barend M. Spitzer, to himself, reciting his own crea- 
tion as Prince Mason and Deputy Inspector General, at 
Philadelphia, on the 25 th June, 1781, also John Mitchell to the 
like effect. Then follows a Patent granted to Frederick 
Dalcho, May 24th, 1801, by John Mitchell. 

The " Register^^ of de la Hogue contains also a copy of the 
Patents granted on the 12th November, 1796, by Hyman 
Isaac Long to de la Hogue, De Grasse, &c. Also a copy of 
the Charter of Constitutions, granted on the 12th November, 
1769, by Long, to the same brethren, to establish a Lodge at 
Charleston. 

Thus it would appear that these gentlemen were not idle at 
any time, but diligently improved every opportunity that pre- 
sented itself, by conferring the degrees and titles upon others 
for a " fair consideration,'' the effects of which we shall 
shortly see. 

Deeming that all matters connected with the history of the 
Sublime degrees will be interesting, and more especially to 
show the effects which immediately followed the establishment 
of the new rite, we will here take occasion to follow the 
Count De Grasse Tilly, and thus complete that portion of the 
narrative. 

The document states—" On the 21st of February, 1802, our 
Illustrious Brother Count Alexander Francis August Tilly, 
Count de Grasse, Deputy Inspector General, was appointed by 
the Supreme Council a Grand Inspector General and Grand 
Commander of the French West Indies, &c." And in their 
Annuary of 1802 they pretended to give the names of the 
Officers of the Lodge of Perfection, Consistory, &c., estab- 
lished in St. Domingo by the Count, together with the Sove- 



EITE OF PERFECTION. 81 

reign Grand Inspectors General and Supreme Council, of that 
island, in all of which the Count is declared to be the Repre- 
sentative in St. Domingo, of the Charleston body, viz. ; 
Representative of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, also of 
the Sublime Council of Princes of the Royal Secret, and also 
of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree. 

{See Appendix. Document No. 11, and Patent — Document 
No. 39.) 

Ragon, as well as the Report, states, 

" The Gouut never established a Council, nor a Supreme Council, in the 
island of St. Domingo, as has been asserted, but came direct from Soutb 
Carolina to France." 

Again, 

" Previous to the Supreme Council established by the Grand Orient of 
France in the island of Hayti, in the year 1837, there never existed at St. 
Domingo, any Council of Princes of Jerusalem, any Consistory of Princes of 
the Royal Secret, nor any Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree. The 
Count had in view no doubt, the establishment of those Lodges at St. 
Domingo, and for that reason it is thus stated in the Annuary at Charleston, 
published at that time. But he did not return to that island, then a prey to 
the Revolution, but came to Paris direct in the year 1803 or 1804. 

Again, 

" The Ineffable degrees, or the Rite of Perfection, were practiced in France' 
from 1761 to 1804. At that time (1804) the Count De Gra.sse Tilly, who 
had taken the Thirty-third degree in the pretended Charleston Council, brought 
the additional degrees, with the Thirty-third, to France, as a ' Novell if 
or ' Curiosity,' not with the title of the ' Rite of Perfection'' or ' Ineffable' 
Degrees^' by which name or title they had always been known until then ; but 
under an entire new name, viz. ; that of the • Scottis/i Rite, Ancient and 
Accepted.' " 

Ragon says, 

" Count de Grasse in 1802, received Patents from the Supreme Council of" 
Charleston, to establish a Supreme Council at Cape Francais, St. Domingo. 
This pretended Supreme Council figures largely in the Annuary of the 
Charleston Council of that year, and they state that it was the only Supreme 
Council with which they were in correspondence. The truth is, that the 
Supreme Council at St. Domingo never had an existence. In 1803, the Count 
returns to France, representing himself as the Supreme Chief of the Thirty- 
third degree, and on the 22d December, 1804, the Supreme Council of the 
Thirty-third degree was erected, and provisionally organized in Paris, but was 
not published, decreed, and definitively constituted, until January 19th 1811." 



82 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

It is generally conceded by all authors, that De Grasse did 
establish in Paris, in the year 1804, a Supreme Council of the 
Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite, that the name of the rite 
was new, and the powers claimed by De Grasse for the Council 
itself, as well as for its officers, were altogether monstrous. 
Carrying with him the document of the Charleston body, and 
being imbued with its doctrines, he at once set up a claim for 
that body, as a rival to the Grand Orient, which embroiled the 
whole fraternity in a contest lasting for many years. 

Immediately after the establishment of this Council in Paris 
by the Count De Grasse, the Grand Orient, viewing it as a 
rival, began to resist the claim, on the ground, that she was in 
possession of the degrees known as the Scottish rite, and had 
practiced them since 1762, that the addition of four or five un- 
important degrees did not make a new rite of it, and that the 
claim of the Council was preposterous. 

In order that the reader may be able to judge for himself 
the merits of the case, we shall give an abstract of the claims 
of both parties, gathered from the many authorities who have 
espoused either side. 

The Gr^nd Orient claims to have received all the known 
rites of Masonry into her bosom, beginning with the Rite of 
Perfection, or Scottish System, and consisting of twenty-five 
degrees, and continuing so to do until she had absorbed tlie 
whole, thereby destroying the action of the numerous Masonic 
bodies in the work of conferring degrees. A Synopsis of the 
rites has already been given, together with a Tablet, showing 
not only the different and distinct rites, but also tlie time at 
which they merged into the Grand Orient and Supreme Coun- 
cil, and thus gave her complete control over all the Masonic 
degrees. 

[Refer to the Tablet, page 51.] 

This change was completed fully by the year 1799, although 
she had the Rite of Perfection or the Scottish System nearly 
fifty years before that date, and gave it to Stephen Morin in 
the year 1761, in which year, the body was known as the 
" JYational Grand Lodge,'^ with a chamber of the Council 
within her bosom. 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 83 

It would appear from a careful examination of the matter, 
that about the year 1772 there was great discontent among 
the different Masonic bodies, as it regards the number of the 
degrees conferred. They thought them too numerous and 
burdensome, and had become weary. In accordance with 
these feelings the Grand Lodge appointed a committee to revise 
the High Degrees, and in 1781 or 1782, created a Chamber of 
the High Degrees, which labored at a revision of them. In 
1786 this chamber reported four degrees, viz. : The " J^/w," 
^^ Ecossai,^' ^'Knight of the East,'' and ''Rose Croix.'' These 
four were adopted to be worked in addition to the three Sym- 
bolic degrees. And it therefore decreed that no others should 
be worked in the Lodges or Chapters, under her jurisdiction. 
Thory, Levique, and others. The seven degrees thus arranged, 
have since been practiced by the Grand Orient, and are known 
all over the world, as the French or Modern Rite. 

In thus doing, the Grand Orient, although in full possession 
of the Scottish System, so-called, laid it aside, substituting the 
rite of her own, and thus the rite — which she before had 
used — became obsolete, or in other words "zY slept.'' The rite 
which the Grand Orient chose, was the embodiment of the Eite 
of Perfection in its first eighteen degrees, reducing the num- 
ber down to seven. But because she thus reduced the number 
of working degrees, she did not part with or destroy anything 
she before had ; she merely laid it aside. Thus the first lodge 
in the kingdom in 1725 was a York lodge, and continued to 
work in that rite for a great number of years, but it was 
finally laid aside for another form of work. She did not lose 
possession of the work because she laid it aside, but has it 
still, and may resume it again if desired. 

This, then, viz. : " The French Modern Rite," was the work 
performed by the Grand Orient from 1782 down to 1804, 
when De Grasse Tilly arrived with his, so-called, new rite, and 
attempted to set it up as a rival to the Grand Orient. Where- 
upon the Grand Orient claimed that the rite was not a new 
one, but that she had always been in possession of it since 
1758, had given it to Morin in 1761, and that it came back to 
her by the hands of Germain Hacquet in 1803, in its pure and 



84 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

unadulterated state. That when she saw the rival body by 
her side, and heard the claim made, she at once resuscitated 
those degrees, which had then become obsolete, and establish- 
ed the system for herself. A chamber was appointed in her 
Consistory of Rites, she took possession of the degrees, and 
this power she claims to have maintained ever since. 

The Supreme Council claims as follows. 

That the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is an entire 
new rite, consisting of thirty-three degrees, was founded in 
Charleston, South Carolina, in 1802, and carried from thence 
to France by the Count De Grasse Tilly, a Sovereign Grrand 
Inspector General Thirty-third degree, of the rite, in the year 
1804, and there established by him, as a distinct rite, with all 
its powers. 

Mr. Lamarre says, page 38 ; 

" The time of the establishment of the Supreme Council in France, is as 
perfectly well known as any other fact in history. It was established by the 
Brother Count De Grasse Tilly, who had been made Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General, at Charleston, and was appointed by the Supreme Council 
at that place, Sovereign Commander for the leeward and windward French 
islands of America, and its Representative there, on the 21st February, 1802, 
by a Patent, an authentic copy whereof is in the archives at Charleston, and 
by which, also, he was made Deputy Inspector of that Supreme Council for 
the two Hemispheres." 

[See Appendix. Doc. No. 39.] 

Immediately after its formation, quarrels between the two 
bodies commenced, on account of the Supreme Council, which 
attempted to establish a Grand Lodge in its own rite, or 
rather for acting itself in that capacity, by attempting to con- 
fer the Symbolic degrees. A partizan warfare was carried on 
for some time, when propositions were made, and acceded to, 
for a treaty of amity, or a Concordat. " The worthy, prudent 
and wise brethren felt the necessity of nipping in the bud, a 
germ of division in the Masonic order of France. They com- 
municated their views to the Deputies of the Grand Orient, 
by whom they were readily adopted. Immediately the Grand 
Orient appointed a committee, which met with an equal 
number of Deputies of the Ancient and Accepted Rite. The 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 85 

result was, the Concordat, or Act of Union, signed and sworn 
to on the 5th December, 1804, the '' Scottish Grand Lodge^^ 
repairing for that purpose to the Hall of the Grand Orient. 

The Concordat defines the composition, and names and 
enumerates the Ofiicers of the Grand Orient, and their and its 
own powers and attributes. It recognises the Supreme 
Council as an existing body, and assumes its continuance as a 
distinct body, as being a matter of course, w^ith varied and 
important powers, and all its inherent, undefined functions 
besides. Every Lodge and Chapter in France was to have a 
representative, and those represented constituted the Masonic 
Diet, called " the Grand Orient, ^^ but there were also seven first 
Grand Dignitaries for life, and one hundred and forty-eight 
other ofi&cers, e?i exercice, who after serving nine years, became 
Honorary Ofi&cers. 

The Government was composed of a Symbolic General 
Grand Lodge, and a General Grand Chapter, each composed 
of eighty-one members, serving for different periods, of from 
three to nine years. There was also a Grand Council of ap- 
pellate powers. There was also a Grand Lodge of General 
AdministratioR, composed of twenty-one members. 

The General Grand Chapter issued Letters Capitular, and 
Briefs for the High Degrees. An appeal lay from its decision 
to the Grand Council of Twenty-seven, or to the Sublime 
Council of the Thirty-third degree. 

The particular pravisions as to the thirty-second and thirty- 
third degrees, were these ; 

The Grand Orient of France possesses in the General Grand 
Chapter, the Grand Council of the Thirty-second Degree ; 
and the Sublime or Supreme Grand Council, the Thirty-third 
Degree. 

The prerogatives of the Thirty-third degree, besides those 
that appertain to its functions, are, To decide all questions in- 
volving the point of honor, it can remove from office a Grand 
Officer of the Grand Orient of France, upon complaint and accu- 
sation, which it alone can entertain, from that one of the bodies, 
viz. ; the Symbolic Grand Lodge, the General Grand Chapter, 



86 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

and the Grand Lodge of Administration, to which the officer 
belongs, in the Masonic for m.^^ 

The Supreme Council of the Thirty-third can alone con-ect 
or revoke its own decisions. 

The fourteen first degrees only could be conferred in Subor- 
dinate Chapters, the fifteenth to the eighteenth inclusive, only 
in the General Grand Chapter, the Thirty-third Degree 
belongs exclusively to the Sublime Grand Council of that 
degree, which alone can confer it. 

Here, then, is painted, in full and glowing colors, the first 
trap laid by the intrigueing Count de Grasse, to catch the 
Grand Orient. It will be remembered that this Supreme 
Grand Council of Sovereigns in Masonry, was a self consti- 
tuted affair, with the Count De Grasse at its head for life, not 
yet a year old, while the Grand Orient had been in existence 
as a Grand Lodge, General Grand Chapter, or Grand Orient 
for fifty years, was the ruling and governing body for 
Masonry in France, and was composed of many of the first 
men in the kingdom. And how it could be possible that the 
Grand Orient should have been wheedled into the signing of 
such a Concordat, got up by a few adventurers, who assumed to 
themselves the high sounding title of " Sovereigns^' in Masonry 
does not appear, but it is true that the Concordat was signed. 

This Concordat makes the Supreme Council an appellate 
tribunal higher than the General Grand Chapter, and to 
which an appeal lies to that body, while it secures to the 
Supreme Council alone, the power to confer the Thirty-tliird 
Degree, and the exclusive title to it. It gives the chapters no 
power over any degree above the fourteenth, and even its 
General Grand Chapter, no power over any above the 
eighteenth, while it gives no power to any body, or officer, to 
revise or correct the decisions of the Supreme Council, but 
declares that it, the Supreme Council, alone can do so. It 
secures to the Grand Council of the thirty-second the control 
over the degrees from the eighteenth to the thirty-second, and 
continues all the inherent powers of the Superior Council. 
But it adds no members to it, makes no change in it, leaves it per- 
manent, its members to hold for life, and in no way provides how 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 87 

it, or the Grand Council of the thirty-second shall he composed, or 
vacancies in either filled, or what, or who, its officers shall he, or 
how elected, or appointed. Here is the very counterpart of the 
declarations made in the notable Charleston document, which 
the Count de Grasse and his coadjutors, Avere anxious to have 
carried out in France, and the developement of a scheme, 
which, if it had been successful, would have so completely 
robbed the Grand Orient of the powers to which it was justly 
entitled, which it had been laboring for long years to attain 
to, which were accorded to her by common consent of the 
Masonic fraternity in France, that the Grand Orient itself 
would have become the mere dependant and menial of these 
adventurers, and placed in their hands the sceptre to govern it 
altogether according to its pleasure. It would have been 
virtually, a transfer of the powers of the Grand Orient to the 
Supreme Grand Council of the thirty-third degree. 

All this was done in December, 1804, 

But the plan was not successful. The members of the 
Grand Orient had had time for reflection, and as it would be 
perfectly natural to suppose, they speedily came to a decision 
upon the subject. For on the 21st July, 1805, the Grand 
Orient enacted a " BecretaP by which they professed to carry 
out the Concordat. By it they created a " Grand Directory 
OF Rites,'"' to govern all the united rites, and be composed of 
as many sections as there were rites, each section to be com- 
posed of not less than three, nor more than five members. 
This Directory was to take cognizance of every thing concern- 
ing the dogma of each rite, and to it the correspondence of all 
subordinate bodies was to be addressed, when relating to 
dogma. 

Boubee, Etudes sur la Franc Ma9., p. 114, tells concisely in 
what the difference consisted, that ended in annulling the Con- 
cordat. Tiie Grand Orient claimed, 

" Tliat the Union of all the degrees in one simple sphere of Masonic light, of 
which IT, the Grand Orient, was the centre, gave it, the Grand Orient — alone, 
tfie right to rule the Scottish Rite, concurrently with the French Rite, and conse- 
quently THE SOLE RIGHT to confer the degrees, and grant Charters of 
Constitution.''^ 



88 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

In other words, its claim was, that it could annul the 
Supreme Council and merge it in itself by depriving it of all 
its powers and functions, and transfer them to a Directory of 

Rites. 

" As the Grand Orient insisted on regarding the whole Scottish Rite as 
merged in itself, the members of that rite met, to the number of eighty-one, 
in general assembly, at the hotel of Marshal Kellerman, on the 6th September 
1805, and decreed, that if, by the 15th of that mouth, the treaty were not re- 
stored to its integrity, and completely executed, it would be regarded as null 
and void. This was notified to the Grand Orient, and conferences ensued, but 
no good result followed. On the 16th at the last conference, the Grand Orient 
insisted that the Supreme Council should not have jurisdiction to decide ques- 
tions touching the point of honor, nor the power to remove an Officer of the 
Grand Orient, on charges preferred and proven, nor should it, or the Council 
of the Thirtj^-second, any longer sit in the General Grand Chapter." 

Notice Hist. Sur TOrigine du Gr.*. 0.*. de Franc, &c., 1835, 
page 16. 

Consequently, on the 24th September, the Supreme Council, 
treating the Concordat as annulled, organized a Grand Consis- 
tory of Sublime Princes, Thirty-second degree, and on the 1st 
of October, it made a decree concerning the exercise of its 
dogmatic power. 

Ragon, p. 312, says, 

" On the 6th of September, the Grand Orient declares the Concordat broken, 
and on the 16th of the same month, the Commissioners of the Grand Orient, 
and those of the Grand Scottish Lodge, signed a Convention, declaring the act 
of Union annulled, in fact and in law." 

Thory, Rebold, and Clavel, all confirm. 
Clavel, Hist. Pitt., p. 245, gives a detailed account of the 
causes that led to the rupture of the Concordat, 

" That the majority of the Grand Orient, foreseeing that the pretensions of the 
Scottish Masons would he an eternal source of discord, were willing to let them 
retire, if they could so arrange with them, that the Masonic peace should not 
be disturbed. To this end conferences were had, and on the 16th September, 
it was by common consent decreed, that the Supreme Council of the Thirty- 
third degree, should thereafter have an independent existence, with the power 
of granting Chapters and Diplomas for the degrees above the eighteenth, and 
that the Scottish bodies, working the degrees below the nineteenth, should re- 
main under the jurisdiction of the Grand Orient. The Philosophical Scottish 
Rite — the Rite of Heredom, and in general, all the Masonic bodies, that had 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 89 

by Yirtiie of the Concordat, been united to the Grand Orient, equally resumed 
their independence.— Only, in order that the Masonic Unity, broken by the 
new order of things, might as far as possible, be re-established, the Prince Cam- 
baceres oflBcially informed the authorities which thus separated from the Grand 
Orient, that he was disposed to accept the functions of Grand Master over 
each of them. Most of them agreed to this agreement, and the Prince thus be- 
came the chief of almost all the systems practiced in France. The Count de 
Grasse resigned in his favor, his Office of Grand Commander of the Ancient 
and Accepted Rite on the 10th of July 1806, and established by the side of 
the Supreme Council of France, the skeleton of a Council for the French pos- 
sessions in America, in expectation of at some time, transporting his Council 
to those possessions. 

" Peace reigned in French Masonry from the latter part of the year 1805, 
until the downfall of the Great Emperor, The compact made in 1805 was 
observed, both by the Grand Orient and the Supreme Council. But with the 
fall of Xapoleon, every thing was changed. The grand Orient on the 24th of 
June 1814, at the Feast of St. John, knelt to the rising Sun, and the orators 
in their addresses, enlarged 'on the joy which the whole Masonic community 
felt, at seeing at length their legitimate king, surrounded by his august family.' 

" With indecent haste, it declared the Grand Mastership, held by Joseph 
Bonapart for life, to be vacant. In Paris the Lodges fraternized enthusiasti- 
cally with the English, Russians, Wurtemburgers, Saxons, Prussians, Austrians ■ 
&c., initiated many of them ; and at Marseilles the first public procession of 
Free Masons that ever appeared in France, carried about the bust of Louis 
XYIIL, and inaugurated it in their temple. And now, when the great men 
who had protected the Scottish Rite, and the dignity and rights of the Supreme 
Council, were dead, or in exile, the Grand Orient decreed, that, by virtue of 
the Concordats made in 1773 with the Chapter of Clermont — in 1787 with 
the General Grand Chapter, and in 1804 with the Scottish Grand Lodge, it 
re-took, or rather continued, but in a more special manner, the exercise of the 
powers that appertained to it, over ALL the rites. The Supreme Council^ re- 
sisted this usurpation, and an angry polemic, and constant quarrel was kept up, 
until on the 6th day of November 1841 ; on the report and recommendation 
of the Brother de Sanlis, the Grand Orient formally recognized, all the bodies 
of every degree, from the first to the 32d, created by the Supreme Council as 
legal bodies, and authorized Masons under its own jurisdiction, to visit them, 
and to open their temples to all brethren under the jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Council. — The war was never again revived." 

It will be perceived that the above statements, much 
colored, are given by a Bonapartist and a defender of the 
Ancient and Accepted Rite, yet much of the truth is to be 
gathered from what he has written. Nevertheless the Grand 
Orient does now, and always has claimed, the whole Scottish 



90 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

system as its own, by right, defending the claim always, but at 
the same time, tolerating the Supreme Council, and acknow- 
ledging its acts in that system. In its circular of the 31st 
July, 1819, it did insist, that in 1804, some Masons who had 
returned from America, or fled from our colonies, brought 
back to Paris the degrees which the same Orient had sent 
thither in 1761, by the intervention of Stephen Morin, and 
that those degrees had not left France, but the Grand Council, 
established in the bosom of the National Grand Lodge ; after 
it the General Grand Chapter of France ; and after 1787 the 
Metropolitan Sovereign Chapter of the Grand Orient of 
France, always possessed them. 

Then, after stating the reduction in 1786, of the number of 
working degrees to the number of four in the. stead of fifteen, 
it said, 

" It was thus that the hand of time effaced in France, the memory of those 
degrees which had gone forth from its bosom, and even that of some that were 
exclusively French, and that they were brought back thither as strangers ; and 
now claimed title to them." 

It is true that the passage of these degrees from ours to a 
foreign language, a different classification, new names, and 
some additions, dexterously metamorphosed these degrees, the 
aggregate whereof, thus combined, received the supposed title 
of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. 

Vassal contends that the Grand Lodge of France possessed 
the Scottish Rite before it was known in the New World, and 
that the Scottish Rite, brought into France by the Count De 
Grasse, arbitrarily and abusively re-modelled^ is the same as that 
which the Grand Lodge had possessed for forty years. He 
says, 

" That the Ancient and Accepted Eite is the same as that which the Grand 
Lodge of France possessed, that the important degrees of the Ancient and Ac- 
cepted Rite, are the same that were carried to the United States by Stephen 
Morin, that most of the intercallated degrees are foreign to Scottish Masonry, 
having been borrowed from other rites. 

The claim of the Grand Orient, so long contested, has 
always been maintained, although the result of the long 
quarrel of thirty years or more, was the recognition of the 






h 



vUi 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 91 

Supreme Council by the Grand Orient, so far as having the 
right to administer her own degrees, but no other degrees 
concurrently with the Grand Orient. In other words, the 
Supreme Council was tolerated by the Grand Orient, and 
allowed to confer the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, 
provided she did not interfere with the Grand Orient in doing 
precisely the same thing. 

The substance of the history, of which the attempt has been 
made, to give a very brief abstract, is as follows. Although 
there had been, before the commencement of the present cen- 
tury, much contention and strife among the Masons of France, 
yet those commotions had all been subdued, by the establish- 
ment of the Grand Orient, which gathered within itself, and 
under its control, all the then existing rites of Masonry, and 
from that time until 1804, peace reigned among the brethren 
throughout the length and breadth of the Empire. But on the 
arrival of the Count de Grasse from America, with the new 
rite, as he chose to call it, and the establishment of a Supreme 
Council, in that rite, with a Scottish Grand Lodge, as a rival 
to the Grand Orient, the war was renewed with great zeal. 

The powers which this Council claimed, the doctrines which 
it promulgated, and the innovations upon old and established 
usages and laws, which it attempted to introduce, were quite 
strange and unheard of. The Grand Orient at once declared 
herself possessed of all the degrees which the Count de Grasse 
and his Council pretended to have, and assumed the control 
over them,^ The war between the two bodies was severe, 
especially as De Grasse had turned the whole matter into a 
political machine, his Supreme Council being composed of 
Bonapartists, and the Grand Orient of Royalists. 

On the downfall of the Empire, and the restoration of Louis 
XVIII, in 1814, the Bonapartists who composed the Supreme 
Council, fled from France, and became exiled, while the Grand 
Orient, or Royal party paid their allegiance to the returning 
monarch, and became high in favor. To use their own lan- 
guage " the Supreme Council after this went to sleep^'' and the 
Orient, taking all power into its own hands, became the 
reigning body, and continues so down to the present time. 

* See riate ?,. 



92 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

But the rise of the Grand Orient did not crush out the 
Supreme Council. It continued its work, and became again 
a ruling body in its own rite, but no more. It continued to 
establish subordinate bodies, but had no connection whatever 
with the Grand Orient as before, either by authority or by 
association. The Supreme Council was tolerated. Meantime, 
many volumes had been written by the partizans of both sides 
upon the subject of the merits of both, an a,bstract from which 
has been given. In 1841 the Grand Orient acknowledged all 
the bodies created by the Supreme Council, and since that 
time Peace has reigned between them. 

For all this trouble and commotion, the Masons of France 
have to thank the Count De Grasse. He was always known 
there by the cognomen of " the intrigueing County He car- 
ried the degrees with him from Charleston to Paris. As far 
as they are concerned, all parties, without any exception^ 
admit that the same degrees, to the number pf twenty-five 
which Stephen Morin carried away with him from France, in 
1761, were brought back in 1803, in their unadulterated state, 
by Germain Hacquet, and passed from his hands into those of 
the Grand Orient. The same degrees were brought to France 
by the Count De Grasse, in 1804. In reference to the other 
degrees, five or six in number, which are additional^ those 
(with the exception of the Thirty-third, which was manu- 
factured in Charleston,) were all in the possession of the 
Grand Orient before, but were termed^ like a great many 
others, " obsolete.^^ But whether they were so, or not, is a 
matter of very little consequence. The Grand Orient in a 
circular^ issued in 1819, thus speaks, 

"That in 1773 she suspended working- the High degrees, and that the hand 
cf time effaced the remembrance of them in France, that she had not worked 
them for more than thirty years, when De Grasse established his Supreme 
Council in Paris." 

It would appear by the historian's account, that a commit- 
tee was appointed by the Grand Orient, to revise and correct 
all the degrees of the rite. This work they performed, and 
an account of their opinions concerning the merits of each 
degree would be highly entertaining. Those opinions, not the 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 93 

products of partizans but of a regular committee appointed 
by the Grand Orient, would present a sad picture. They have 
not publicly pronounced them useless and absurd. But they 
have cut them off and substituted four degrees in the place of 
fifteen, which is a plainer expression of their opinions than a 
long written report. 

But the defenders of the new rite declare, that it was for 
this very reason that they established the new rite, and called 
it by a 7iew name. They pretend to say, that it is a Reforma- 
tion, that all the degrees have been remodelled, and a com- 
plete system made out of all the rites, centering in this one. 
Now, if this be true, why, or how does it happen that the 
twenty-five degrees of the Rite of Perfection given to Stephen 
Morin, in 1761, and carried back by Grermain Hacquet in 
1802 or 1803, the twenty-five degrees of the Charleston body 
known before 1801, as the Rite of Perfection, and subsequent 
to that date all those degrees remaining the same but placed 
under different numbers — the twenty-five degrees of the Grand 
Orient of France, as well as the Supreme Council, and the 
twQnty-five degrees of our own Council in New York, are all 
the same to a letter ? There surely has been no reform there. 
Nothing has been taken from them, nor have any additions 
been made. The Charleston people have simply made Kadosh 
the twenty-ninth, the Prince of the Royal Secret has served for 
three degress, viz, : thirtieth, thirty-first and thirty-second, so 
that the number would be twenty -seven instead of the ori. 
ginal number twenty-five ; then they have crowded in the 
" Commander of the Temple," and three other degrees, and 
manufactured an entire new article, viz. : the Thirty-third, to 
set off the whole. And although they pretend to say that the 
whole are different, and the rite a new one, yet of the falsity 
of this assertion, any candid person can be readily convinced, 
as there are now at hand in this city many complete copies of 
the degrees, as they came from the hands of Stephen Morin 
and coadjutors, at Charleston, all of which, date long anterior 
to the year 1804, and by comparing the whole of them, they 
will be found to be alike in every letter. 

It is true, hoAvever, that the degrees have been altered many 



94 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

times since 1804. Emanuel De la Motta began the work in 
1814, by the addition of several new degrees to the Schedule, 
as Avill be noticed shortly, and since that time, they have been 
remodelled twice, the last alterations having taken place be- 
tween 1850 and 1860, by the hands of Albert Pike, Albert 
G. Mackey, and others, appointed for that purpose by the 
Charleston body. And the alterations made by the Grand 
Orient, are said to have been many, but whether any, or all of 
these alterations have improved the degrees themselves, is a 
matter of doubt. So long as the foundation remains as it is, 
the superstructure cannot be improved by any decorations that 
can be placed upon it by any human hand. 

One more quotation concerning the Supreme Council of 
France, and its quarrels with the Grand Orient, based upon 
the right which it claimed, to administer the Symbolic Lodges 
of the rite, will close, for the present, this part of the subject. 
Dr. Oliver says : 

"In 1804 a new Grand Lodge, or a new organization of an Ancient rite, 
which was attempted by the formation of a Supreme Council of the Rite Ecos- 
sais Ancien et Accepte, made rapid progress in public opinion, and became so 
formidable, that the Grand Orient thought it prudent to hold out terms of con- 
ciliation. Indeed, the contending Grand Lodges began to be aware, that great 
mischief to the Society in general might be produced by such an appearance 
of insubordination : and the two chief parties, the Grand Orient and the Su- 
preme Council (the former having now adopted all the Thirty-three degrees 
which had been re-imported from America in the preceding year), were mutually 
desirous of some equitable compromise. — Practicing the same Rite, they, at 
length, consented to a Union, in the enjoyment of equal privileges ; but the 
details appear to have been inadequately arranged, for disputes arose among 
the Grand Officers, and in the succeeding year the bond of affinity was broken 
and the Covenant annulled. So much confusion was created by the measure^ 
that my limits will not suffer me to enter on the subject : but the Grand Orient 
was desirous of being considered the head of the Thirty-three degrees in France, 
and authorized its Lodges to collect and practice other additional degrees ; but 
they excluded from their system the, Order of Misraim : while the Supreme 
Council of the Rite Ancien endeavored to extend its influence by the establish- 
ment in Paris, of a Grand Consistory of Princes of the Eoyal Secret, and in- 
stalled the officers on the 24th of September 1805. 

" It appears that in 1827 the breach was not healed : for, in an investigation 
of the merits of Free Masonry by a Committee of the Legislature of Massachu- 
setts, United States, it is recorded that a controversy then existed for Masonic 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 95 

supremacy between the above bodies, both claiming the right of exclusive in- 
terchange of diplomatic relations with the Supreme Council of America. 
(Gourgas.) A Ballustre or document, engrossed in common, by the Supreme 
Councils of New York and Charleston, addressed to the Supreme Council of 
France, dated May 1st 1827, was deposited at the General Secretary's office 
at Paris, by Brother Houssement, with the endorsement ' The Mason who en- 
trusted me with this deposite desires to be unknown.' The Grand Orient took 
possession of the document and opened a negociation and correspondence with 
the Supreme Council of America, claiming to be the only authorized regulator 
of Masonry in France. The Supreme Council of the Rite Ancien et Accepte, 
hearing this circumstance, entered a formal protest against the assumption, and 
complained of the deceitful practices of the Grand Orient, to turn the Supreme 
Council of France away from a correspondence with them, and engage it in 
their own. And to substantiate their claim to the highest Masonic authority 
in France, documents were forwarded to the American Supreme CounciPwhich, 
as it appears, was deemed satisfactory ; for we subsequently find that body en- 
gaged in a correspondence with the Supreme Council of France, and appoint- 
ing a Minister to reside near the Masonic power." 

Again, 

" The Grand Orient and the Supreme Council of the Rite Anciene, have 
once more come to an amicable understanding, for in December 1841, a meet- 
ing was holden in Paris, attended by more than three hundred brethren, on mat- 
ters of controversy between the Grand Orient and the Supreme Council : and 
it was resolved that the Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Orient be 
authorized to admit to their works, brethren hailing under the Supreme Coun- 
cil : and that members hailing under the Grand Orient be entitled to visit the 
works of the Supreme Council. — But it appears improbable, that they will 
ever cordially assimilate, without great and almost organic changes in the 
Constitutions of both: for the former (the Grand Orient), having a Republi- 
can tendency, and the latter being Monarchial and Aristocratical, the chances 
of a permanent Union between them are not very great." 

We will now return to the Supreme Council of Charleston, 
the assumed parent of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish 
Rite. They state in their circular, that it was established in 
May, 1801. And in order to prove the newness of the rite, 
they have given very full, and complete evidence, by the pro- 
duction of Patents deposited in the Archives, and other docu- 
ments, that not one of the Inspectors appointed by Morin, or 
his coadjutors, were higher in Masonry than the Twenty-fifth 
degree, or Prince of the Royal Secret. The question again 
comes up, viz. : Who were the persons that formed this 
Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree ? And where 

1 Cerneau. 



96 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. - 

did they get that degree, or the power to confer it ? The 
testimony is perfectly clear and indisputable, that neither 
Morin, nor Frankin, nor Hayes, nor Long, nor Forst, nor any 
of the others, had it in possession until May, 1801, when the 
Circular declares that, 

" John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho, Sovereign Grand Inspectors Gene- 
ral, opened the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree for the United 
States of America in Charleston, and in the course of the year 1802, the num- 
ber of Inspectors General were completed, agreeably to the Constitutions." 

And these parties sign their names as such, to the document 
of December 4th, 1802. But their Patents have never been 
produced, nor has any evidence ever yet been given, that they 
came in possession of the Thirty-third degree in a regular and 
lawful manner. They then give the degree to Count De 
Grass Tilly, De la Hogue, and De la Motta, in February, 1802, 
and appoint the Count, Grand Commander for life, in the 
French West India Islands, and De la Hogue, his Lieutenant, 
(See De Grasse's power. Appendix.) They also received 
Emanuel De la Motta, Abraham Alexander, Thomas B. Bowen, 
Israel de Leiben, Isaac Auld, Moses C. Levy and James Moul- 
trie, all during the year 1802. And at the close of the year 
their Circular declares the council to be constituted as follows : 

John Mitchell, M. P. Sov.*. Gr.*. Commander. 

Frederick Dalcho, Lieut. Gr.*. Commander. 

Emanuel De La Motta, Treasurer General, H.*. E.*. 

Abraham Alexander, Secretary General, H.*. E.*. 

Thomas B. Bowen, Grand Master of Ceremonies. 

Israel De Lieben, Sov.'. Gr.*. Insp.*. Gen. 

Moses C. Levy, Sov.*. Gr.*. Insp.*. Gen. 

James Moultrie, Sov.*. Gr.*. Insp.*. Gen. 
Immediately after the announcement of the completion of 
the Council, they state, that Constitutive Charters were deliv- 
ered under the Seal of the Grand Council of Princes of Jeru- 
salem for the establishment of a Lodge of " Master Mark Ma- 
50715 " in Charleston. It is well known that this degree does 
not belong to the rite, and is no part of it, but is strictly a 
Chapter degree, in the York Rite. It was embodied into that 
system between the years 1797 and 1800, and became the fourth 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 97 

degree in that rite. Before that time, it was worked by Blue 
Lodges, in the same way as the Royal Arch degree, viz. : by 
the Officers of a Blue Lodge, in a Lodge opened for the pur- 
pose, and called by name a " Mark Lodge." They had no 
power whatever to do this act, and clearly manifested a dispo- 
sition to interfere with the regularly established system of 
Masonry of the country, because there were in existence at the 
time they granted this Charter, and had been for years, regu- 
lar bodies of the York Rite, to whom application for the power 
should have been made. 

" On the 4th of December, 1802, Constitutive Charters were delivered un- 
der the Seal of the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, for the establish- 
ment of a Sublime Grand Lodge in Savannah, Georgia." 

Further than this no record appears. It is true, the fact of 
granting a Charter for the purpose of establishing a Sublime 
Grand Lodge in Savannah is mentioned, but the names of the 
parties to whom that Charter was granted, do not appear, nor 
is any mention made of the manner in which the parties be- 
came possessed of the degrees. This then becomes a matter 
of some interest, and the endeavor will be made to clear up the 
mystery. 

The name of Abraham Jacobs has been already mentioned,, 
and will be more particularly dwelt upon in its proper place. 
It will be sufficient to state here, that we find him in Savannah 
in May, 1792, to which place he came from Jamaica, West In- 
dies, and was, according to his own statement, a '^Knight of 
the Suny He was a Jew, and had made some noise in Savan- 
nah among Masons, concerning his Masonic knowledge and 
acquirements. In the course of a short time after his arrival, 
the curiosity of many members of the fraternity became excited, 
and they applied to him for the degrees which he professed to 
have a legal power to confer. By referring to his Register 
and Diary in the Appendix, it will be seen that the application 
was made to him by Godfrey Zimmerman, of Augusta, Georgia, 
under the pretext of establishing a Sublime Grand Lodge in 
that city. Which appears the more strange, because there was 
already in Charleston a Grand Council of Princes of Jerusa- 



98 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

lem, which had been established for several years, was well 
known, and if such were the wishes of the parties, it was most 
clearly their duty to have applied there, in order, first to re- 
ceive the degrees, and second to obtain from the Council the 
proper power to establish a Lodge of those degrees. But 
Jacobs would, in this case have lost his fees, which were by no 
means small, and knowing that the applicants had no idea of 
establishing a Lodge of the kind, based on his own individual 
authority, he said nothing about it, but under that pretext, 
went forward with the work. The letter of Mr. Zimmerman 
is contained in the Diary in full, and gives the full assurance 
and pledge, that his demands shall he freely complied with. 

On the 9th of June, it appeaxs he had made all his arrange- 
ments with the parties, and was in Augusta to do the work. 
The brethren there requested to see his Masonic authority and 
papers, and, as a matter of course, were gratified with an ex- 
amination of the same. What that authority, and those papers 
were, will be shown in the proper place. These being satis- 
factory, the next morning produced sixteen Masons, who were 
in waiting to receive the Sublime degrees at his bands. Their 
names are given in full in the Diary. 

The conferring of the degrees occupied him and them until 
July 3d, nearly one month, when having received his pay, and 
having had all his expenses paid, such as travelling, board, &c., 
he returned to Savannah, to wait for the next set of customers. 
His part of the performance was finished, but the rest of the 
plan was not carried out. He says in his Diary — 

January 25th, 1800. I returned to Augusta and found 
Brother Urquhart in possession of the drafts, and other copies 
that I left for their use, the 3d of July, 1792, hut no Lodge or 
Council had heen formed or established, ^c. 

This Jacobs knew would be the case before he conferred 
the degrees, and merely used that pretence for an excuse or 
license, as he well knew that he had no legal right whatever to 
perform any such work. 

It appears again by the Diary that in 1796, in the month of 
April, he conferred the degrees on John Clarck, in Savannah. 
In November following, he received an application from four- 



I 



RITE OF PERFECTION". 99 

teen brethren in Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia, and find- 
ing that the petitioners were all men of responsibility , and that 
no Lodge was established at Augusta or likely to be, he complied 
with their requests, started immediately from Savannah, 
arrived at Washington on the 23d, and immediately proceeded 
with his work. It occupied him until December 26th, when 
having received his " pay " he returned to Savannah. While 
engaged there, he also conferred the degrees on Wm. Stythe, 
Deputy Grand Master of the State. In 1797, he returned to 
Washington, and conferred the degrees, up to the Prince of 
Jerusalem, on seven of the brethren before mentioned. But 
this plan, like the former one, failed in being carried into 
effect, as no Lodge of Perfection, or Council of Princes, was 
ever formed in that place. But Jacobs got his money, and 
that was about all the plan he ever had in view. 

In December, 1801, he began to confer the degrees upon a 
new set, taking the persons as they offered themselves, and 
could pay the fee. The whole number received at that time, 
down to July 29th, 1802, was twelve. There were some added 
afterwards. In the month of November following, Emanuel 
De La Motta visited Savannah in great pomp, and was intro- 
duced to the meeting of these brethren as Kadosh, Prince of 
the Royal Secret, Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 
Thirty-third and last degree. Member of the Supreme Council, 
and Treasurer General of the Holy Empire. (See proceedings 
in the Diary of this date.) November 9th he was present at 
the meeting, took the Chair, and conferred several degrees. 
The brethren subsequently formed themselves into a Conven- 
tion, and resolved to apply for a Warrant of Constitution to 
the Supreme Council of Charleston, establishing a Sublime 
Lodge in Savannah. They named Jacobs for their Sublime 
Grand Master, and the other brethren were placed in the 
various offices of the body. They subsequently annulled all 
former proceedings, and applied for a Grand Council of 
Princes of Jerusalem. The application Avas accompanied by a 
letter from Jacobs, to his bosom friend, De La Motta, which is 
rather an interesting document. The Warrant was granted as 
a matter of course, a Brother Placid was sent forward from 



100 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Charleston with the documents, he arrived December 30th, 
1802, installed the officers and received ($50) fifty dollars. 

This is the Council mentioned in the Document as being 
chartered in Savannah. Jacobs had got the money in his 
pocket given to him by these brethren for the degrees, and it 
is perfectly clear, that if Jacobs had the power, and the right 
to confer the degrees, these brethren, on receiving them, had 
the same power which he possessed, and could have conferred 
them upon any one who made the application, as well as 
Jacobs. There was, therefore, no need of their applying to 
the Supreme Council at Charleston for a Warrant. This the 
brethren of Augusta and Washington knew, and therefore 
never troubled their heads about it, but went on and conferred 
the degrees whenever an opportunity occurred. But De La 
Motta, being a shrewd man, and unwilling to let the fee slip, 
managed matters in such a way as to bring about the applica- 
tion. 

We shall have occasion to speak more particularly of De 
La Motta, as he occupies quite a prominent position in the his- 
tory of the degrees as will be seen hereafter. 

The number of brethren received by Jacobs in Savannah — 
Augusta and Washington — is forty-five, as recorded in his 
Diary. How many more he may have received in that section, 
does not appear, but it may be safely said, that he never let a 
good opportunity slip, that occupation in connection with the 
teaching a school for Hebrew children being his principal de- 
pendance. Document 15. 

The Supreme Council, after the year 1802, did not accom- 
plish much, but seemed to remain in a state of repose. It 
dwindled down to five members by the year 1813 : Abraham 
Alexander, Thomas B. Bowen, Israel De Lieben and Moses C. 
Levy having either died or removed from the jurisdiction. 
The members of the Council as published in the year 1813 is 
as follows : 

John Mitchell, Frederick Dalcho, 

Emanuel De La Motta, Isaac Auld, 
James MoultrJ.fi, 



EITE OF PEBFECTION. 101 

By referring to Articles 19, 20, 26 and 28 of the Constitu- 
tion of the Supreme Council of Charleston, published in 1859, 
it will be seen that the power is still given to Sovereign 
Grand Inspectors General and Deputy Inspectors, to confer 
the degrees at any time, upon any one, where there is no Con- 
sistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret. 

It also takes to itself the control of the Royal and Select 
Masters degrees, establishes Councils of the same, and places 
the sum of twenty dollars as the price of a Charter for that 
Council. 

This is another evidence which that body has manifested 
from the very beginning, of its grasping propensities. By what 
right do they claim to exercise control over these degrees ? At 
the formation of their body in 1802, they published a Schedule, 
containing a list of the degrees over which they claimed exclu- 
sive authority. These degrees are not among the number. 
But after completing their list of the " Rite,^^ they mention 
quite a number of degrees in the possession of individual Inspec- 
tors not in the rite, but isolated, as the " Elect of Twenty-Seven,^' 
the " Royal Arch of Dublin,' six degrees of the ^^ Masonry of 
Adoption.'' the " Scottish Fellow Craft," the " Scottish Master," 
the " Scottish Grand Master,'' &c., which are conferred free of 
expense. Among these degrees which they there declare " iso- 
lated'' is to be found the " Select Master " or Elect of Twenty- 
seven. (See Document No. 7.) Thus they continued isolated 
until 1845, when the body was re-established, and these degrees 
were taken up by them. They have since conferred them, sold 
Charters for conferring them, and have adopted them into their 
Constitution. 

The argument which they make use of to justify this act — 
viz., " that the degrees were brought to this country by their 
Inspectors and conferred by them," is a very weak one. This 
gives no authority whatever. If it does, why not claim the 
" degrees of Adoption," and confer them in the Council, and 
sell charters for them ? Why not all the other degrees? 

We know that Henry A. Francken conferred them at Albanv, 
New York, in 1767, and Hays in Boston, Massachusetts, and 
Providence, Rhode Island, in 1781 ; also Abraham Jacobs in 



102 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Savannah, Georgia, in 1790, and in New York city in 1804. 
We know that all the Inspectors of that school conferred them, 
and many more degrees besides, for their own pecuniary profit, 
But none of them ever claimed authority over them, or made 
them a part of the " Rite,^^ They were given as detatched, or 
side degrees. 

The reverse of this was the case with the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory. From this body came the system of Templars 
now practiced here, also the Council degrees of Royal and 
Select Masters. But not with a view of claiming authority 
over them, or connecting them with the rite. On the contrary, 
when a sufficient number were initiated, they were required to 
form an Encampment, and as soon as the requisite number of 
Encampments were formed, immediately a Grand Encamp- 
ment for the State was formed by them, which then became a 
separate and distinct power, governing itself. The same pre- 
cisely was the case with the Council degrees of Royal and Se- 
lect Master. Although these two powers have been distinct 
from all others for more than forty years, yet in the first 
instance they came from the hands of the much abused Cerneau 
and his Sovereign Grand Consistory. 

A very full account of the organization of the Grand En- 
campment of the State of New York, in the year 1814, by the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory, may be found in the published 
" Proceedings of the Grand Encampment of the State of JYew 
Yorky Also an account of the " Royal and Select Master,^^ 
in Mitchell's History, Vol. 1, page 706. 

As we shall not have occasion to refer again to the organi- 
zation of this body, we may as well finish this part of the sub- 
ject in this place. 

In the year 1822, in consequence of the thriving condition 
of the Consistory and other bodies, established in Charleston 
by the Sovereign Grand Consistory of New York, there was 
quite an excitement created in that city by De La Motta, who 
had found Mr. Joseph McCosh quite a pliable tool in his hands, 
and urged him forward as the leader in the opposing party to 
P. Javain, Deputy Inspector General for South Carolina. The 
newspapers of the day displayed articles over the signatures 



EITE OF PEKFECTION. 103 

of both parties, the controversy lasting for a long time. A 
part of this controversy may be seen by referring to Document 
21. It brought about quite a revival in that Supreme Coun- 
cil, the number of members increasing to eight, which was, for 
them, a considerable number. John Mitchell and Isaac Auld 
were out, leaving three of the old members, with five additional 
ones — viz., Jacob De La Motta, the son of Emanuel ; Joseph 
McCosh, Alexander McDonald, Horatio G. Street and Moses 
Holbrook. So the list stood in 1825. With this addition, 
and taking advantage of the anti-Masonic excitement in 1828, 
at which time the Sovereign Grand Consistory at New York 
had become extinct, they in company with Mr. Gourgas, 
petitioned to the Grand Orient of France for acknowledge- 
ment as the Supreme Council of " America." And the Grand 
Orient, believing their statement, gave them the acknowledge- 
ment. After this, strange to say, the Council ''fell asleep,^' 
and no more is heard of it until the year 1844, when it appears 
that Albert G. Mackey had been admitted, and Albert Case. 
The Council now numbered nine. In 1846, one more, making 
ten. In 1855, eight — viz., Joseph McCosh, Albert G. Mackey, 
John H. Honor, Charles M. Furman, William S. Rockwell, 
John R. McDaniel, John A. Quitman, Achille Le Prince. In 
1859, they had elected a large number from various States, 
and were about to fill the number to thirty-three, when the 
Council would be full. 

On the first of June, 1858, the Supreme Council of Charles- 
ton received the acknowledgement of the Grand Orient of 
France, and is now in active correspondence with the same. 

As it may seem to the reader that we have passed lightly 
over the body styling itself the Supreme Grand Council of the 
United States of America, now the Charleston Council for the 
Southern Jurisdiction, we would here say that this has been a 
" necessity, '' inasmuch as but little is really known concerning 
it, aside from its published circulars, and the various and fre- 
quent dissensions it has caused in the great body of the fra- 
ternity through its members. 

We know that it established itself in 1801 ; that from it 
came the Supreme Council of France in 1804, through the 



104 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Count De Grasse ; that it continued its sickly existence through 
a few years, after which it went to sleep ; that in 1821, ac- 
cording to their own account, it began to revive, numbering 
at that time as many as eight members ; that in 1829 it was 
acknowledged by the Grand Orient of France, after which it 
again slumbered until about 1844, when it was again revived, 
and has continued its existence up the the present time, being 
properly acknowledged by the Grand Orient of France in 1858. 
That during this time it has established a Supreme Council in 
Ireland, and also a Consistory in Louisiana. 

That the dissensions began at the very hour when its pub- 
lished existence commenced — first with the Grand Lodge of 
South Carolina, which, having been adjusted, they commenced 
in New York, in 1813, since which date every opportunity has 
been seized upon by them to issue strange and defamatory pub- 
lications, by means of which more injury has been done to the 
cause of Masonry than can ever be repaired. In 1822, they 
renewed their work under the leadership of Joseph McCosh — 
and in 1848, at which period Mr. Gourgas appeared with his 
new Supreme Council, they united with that body in the repe- 
tition of the same strange work. For the truth of this state- 
ment we refer to the Documents in the Appendix, Nos. 17, 18, 
19, 21, 31 and 33. 



CHAPTER FIFTH. 

PROGRESS OF THE "RITE OF PERFECTION," OR "ANCIENT 
SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM." 

Establishment of the " Soyereign Grand Consistory " iu New York City 
in 1807 by Joseph Cerneau. — Acknowledgement by the Supreme Council 
of France, 1813.— Also by the Grand Orient of France, 1816.— Title of 
the Consistory, and the name of the "■Rite " practiced. — "Joseph Cerneau." 
— His Character. — A Review of the Charges brought against him. — Nar- 
rative of Jeremy L. Cross. — "Abraham Jacobs." — His Register and Diary 
in full, — Particulars of his proceedings. — " Emanuel Be La Motta " comes 
from Charleston to New York, — His pretended Consistory of 1806. — His 
own account of his proceedings. — He erects a Supreme Council in New 
York in 1813. — He ex-pels " Joseph Cerneau, his abettors and followers." — 
Reply of the Sovereign Grand Consistory. — Rejoinder of De La Motta. — 
The end of the Supreme Grand Council of De La Motta, 

As the " Cerneau Council " has been a matter of great con- 
troversy, from th^ very beginning up to the present time, and 
as there is some intricacy connected with its organization, it is 
thought to be the most proper course, to state in the^r^^ place 
the leading facts, assuming them to be true, and embracing a 
period of nine years — viz., from 1807 to 1816, and then, return 
again, and second, state all the circumstances connected with 
these facts. By attempting to follow regularly, the events as 
they occurred, the mind would bo apt to become confused, 
while by pursuing this course, the subject will be more clearly 
understood. To begin, then, with the leading facts. 

On the 27th of October, 1807, Joseph Cerneau founded and 
established the Sovereign Grand Consistory and Supreme 
Council of the Thirty-third degree, of the Ancient Scottish Kite 
of Heredom, in the city of New York. 

At the time of its foundation, the following names appear as 
connected with Mr. Cerneau — viz., John W. Mulligan, Dr. 
Charles Guerin, Joseph Gouin, John P. Schisano, Toussaint 
Midy, J. B. Subrau, John B. Penzolz, Jonathan and Jacob 
Schieffelin, and several other persons. In the course of the 



106 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

following year the offices were filled, and the regular announce- 
ment made. 

In the records we find the following persons composing the 

above bodies ; 

The Hon. Dewitt Clinton, Governor of the State of New 
York, and Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, as Most Illus- 
trious Deputy Grand Commander of the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory, and the same office in the Supreme Council of the 
Thirty-third. Although the Illustrious Brother Cerneau re- 
tained the title of Grand Commander during his life, yet he 
seldom officiated, as especially in the early part of this time he 
spoke but little English, and therefore was incapable of per- 
forming the duty of presiding officer. Subsequently the title 
was made " honorary,^' and Mr. Cerneau's name attached to 
the various documents, appears always afterwards as Honorary 
Grand Commander, ad vitam. Mr. Clinton filled the office of 
Sovereign Grand Commander from 1823 up to the year 1828, 
in the month of February of which year, he died in the city of 
Albany. Those periods which were excepted, were filled by 
Illustrious Brother John W. Mulligan, and Illustrious Brother, 
the Marquis De Lafayette. In fact, Mr. Cerneau may be said 
to have retired from the active duties of Commander, immedi- 
ately after the full organization of the Sovereign Grand Con- 
sistory. 

Of the character of the Hon. Mr. Clinton, it is quite un- 
necessary to say one word. His name is a household word, 
and is engraven upon the memory of every citizen who has 
witnessed the prosperity of the Empire State. As a Mason, 
he was esteemed, and left behind him a name which the breth- 
ren delight to honor. Those who have attempted to traduce 
his character, (and there have been many such,) have only 
brought upon themselves the disgrace and contempt which is 
always the consequence, and the attendant of base actions. 

The Hon. John W. Mulligan, Deputy Grand Master of the 
Grand Lodge of the State of New York, as Illustrious Lieuten- 
ant Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, and Illustrious 
Minister of State in the Sovereign Grand Consistory ; also 
Representative of the Sovereign Grand Council of Sublime 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 107 

Princes of the Royal Secret for tlie State of Pennsylvania, near 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory sitting in New York. 

Mr. Mulligan continued to officiate, both in the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory and Supreme Council until the year 1828. 
He served as M .*. P ,*. Sov.*. Grand Commander two years, 
immediately preceding the election of the Hon. Dewitt Clinton 
to that office, He was also Deputy Grand Commander for 
many years. In 1844 Mr. Mulligan received the appointment 
of Consul to Greece, under the Presidency of Mr. Polk, and 
was absent from this country until 1851, at which time he re- 
turned, and soon afterward took his seat in the Supreme Coun- 
cil as Past Grand Commander, 

The Hon. Cadwallader D, CoMen, Mayor of the city of New 
York, and Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of the 
State of New York, as Illustrious Minister of State of the Su- 
preme Council, and second Minister of State in the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory. Mr. Colden continued to officiate regular- 
ly in the Consistory and Council, from the hour of his anoint- 
ment up to the year 1828. 

The Hon, Martin Hoffman^ subsequently Grand Master of 
the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, was one of its 
earliest members and associates. He was second Minister of 
State in the Sovereign Grand Consistory, and was an active 
member of both bodies up to the year 1828. 

Illustrious Brother Jonathan Schieffelin, Past Master, Grand 
Keeper of the Seals in the Supreme Grand Council, and first 
Grand Master of Ceremonies in the Sovereign Grand Consis- 
tory. He was also the Eepresentative for the Sovereign 
Grand Council of Princes of the Royal Secret for the State of 
South Carolina, near the Sovereign Grand Consistory sitting 
in New York. 

Mr, Schiefielin was one of the earliest members, and officiated 
in the Council and Sovereign Grand Consistory until 1828, 
At the re-organization in 1832, under the Count St. Laurent, 
he became an active member of the same and continued so un- 
til 1846. 

Elias Hicks, Esq,, R ,*. W.*. Grand Secretary of the Grand 
Lodge of the State of New York. He subsequently became 



108 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Deputy Grand Commander of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, 
and in 1832, at the re-organization under Count St. Laurent, 
he became the Sovereign Grand Commander of the United 
Supreme Council, and continued so up to the year 1846. 

Joseph Bouchaud, Esq., one of the oldest French merchants 
in the city, and was at that time of the firm of Bouchaud, The- 
haud ^ Co. 

Francis Dubuar, Esq., subsequently Lieutenant Grand Com- 
mander. He was one of the founders of the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory, an active member of the Supreme Council up to 
1828, and also in the United Supreme Council under the Count 
St. Laurent until 1846. Both of these gentlemen were active 
members until prevented by the infirmities of age. 

It is quite unnecessary to particularize the names of Thomas 
Lownds, one of the oldest and most able Masons in the State ; 
Oliver M. Lownds, his son, former Sheriff of the City and 
County of New York and R.*. W .*. Grand Secretary of the 
Grand Lodge ; Charles Guerin, Illustrious Treasurer General ; 
John P. Schisano, Grand Secretary General ; ^. Rainetaux, 
James B. Burand, Casper W, Eddy and others, a long list of 
whom will be found by referring to the statistic account of the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory and Supreme Council, from the 
year 1807 to the year 1813, and also to the Annuaries pub- 
lished from 1813 up to the year 1828, during the latter part of 
which time the Annuary appeared in Brother Marsh's General 
Masonic Annuary. That volume included all the Masonic 
organizations in the State. 

And at the very commencement of the organization, the busi- 
ness affairs of all the bodies — viz., the Sovereign Grand Con- 
sistory and the Supreme Council, were administered by a 
" Grand Committee of General Administration " composed as 
follows : 

President, Hon. Dewitt Clinton, 
Vice President, Charles Guerin, 

' James B. Durand, 
John W. Mulligan, 
Members, \ Jacob Schieffelin, 
Joseph Gouin, 
A. Rainetaux. 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 109 

As soon as the organization was completed, and the requi- 
site and constitutional number of brethren were constituted, 
which occupied the better part of two years, a formal applica- 
tion was made by them, to the Grand Orient of France, and to 
the Supreme Council of France, for recognition and acknow- 
ledgement, as a proper and legally constituted body, on the 
ground, that they had complied with the Statutes and Regula- 
tions of the Order, and were now entitled to the privileges of 
the same. In this application, they claimed to have received 
their degrees from, and were cojistituted by Joseph Cerneau, a 
Regular Inspector, and invested with full powers for this pur- 
pose ; had been formed into a Sovereign Grand Consistory for 
the United States of America, her Territories and Dependen- 
cies ; and swearing allegiance to the Statutes and General 
Regulations of the Order, they asked from them proper power 
to proceed in a Constitutional manner with their work, an 
acknowledgement on their part that they were regularly formed 
and constituted, and a recognition of future proceedings, as a 
Supreme and Regular body. 

This application, with the proper documents, was forwarded 
to France, in the autumn of the year 1809, and reached its des- 
tination, as is evident by return records, February 10th, 1810. 
The means of communication, in those days, were not as speedy 
as at the present time. The deliberations were not hurried, 
nevertheless, on the 11th of February, 1813, it was consecrated 
and confirmed in the Supreme Council at Paris, and forwarded 
to Xew York, with all the necessary documents. The recog- 
nition of the Grand Orient, together with documents, did not 
reach the United States until the year 1816. It was promul- 
gated in France July 16th, and published in the daily papers 
at New York, as soon as it came to hand. It 'was a full 
acknowledgement of the Sovereign Grand Consistory and Su- 
preme Council for the United States of America, her Territo- 
ries and Dependencies, authorizing these bodies to take their 
place among the sister bodies of the two hemispheres, dating 
the organization from the commencement, as they were author- 
ized to do— viz., October 27th 1807. 

(See Documents in the Appendix,) No. 12 and 13. 



110 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

It is on this recognition and acknowledgement, that the 
" regularity " of these bodies rest. Having it, they are regular, 
and remain so, as long as the recognition and correspondence 
is kept up. Without it, they would have been nothing, in the 
estimation of all true Masons in the Masonic world, and 
would, doubtless, have immediately ceased their work. With- 
out that recognition they would have been precisely in the 
situation of the pretended body at Charleston, which body, if 
it ever had an existence as such, was in that condition — viz., 
alone, unacknowledged, unrecognized, by any Masonic body, 
except those which she herself had created, and was believed 
to be self constituted and illegal, up to the year 1828, at which 
time it was entered in the Annuary of the Grand Orient of 
France. How this transaction was brought about, the means 
used to effect it, and the circumstances attending it, will be 
seen in their proper place. 

The Consistory had already established various Councils of 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret in several States, as well 
as subordinate bodies in New York. The Illustrious Brother 
Joseph Cerneau was appointed by the Grand Orient of France 
as her Representative near the Sovereign Grand Consistory 
in the United States, and the following brethren were Repre- 
sentatives, as follows : 

IIL\ Bro.'. Germain Hacquet, Representative for Sovereign 

Grand Consistory of the Uni- 
ted States of America, near 
the Grand Orient of France. 
Confirmed and received by 
Grand Orient, July, 1816. 
Ill .*. Bro ,'. James B. Durand, for the State of Louisiana, 

near the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory. 
Ill .*. Bro .*. Thomas Lownds, for the State of Rhode Island, 

near the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory. 
III.'. Bro .*. John W. Mulligan, for the State of Pennsylvania, 

near the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory. 



SCOTTISH RITE OP HEEEDOM. 



IIJ 



111/. Bro,'. Jacob Schieffelin, for the State of South Caro- 
lina, near the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory. 

Ill .'. Bro .*. ( * ) Sovereign Grand Lodge As- 

tre, St. Petersburg. 
- The Sovereign Grand Consistory had appointed Deputy 
Inspectors General in South Carolina, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, 
Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Cuba, Puerto 
Rico, Cumana, Barcelona and La Guayra. They had also sub- 
ordinate bodies in the City, and throughout the State, v^orking 
.n a regular and constitutional manner, and were waiting the 
arrival of their documents from abroad, in order to prove to 
the Masonic world, that their pretensions were not in vain. 

They came at last. It was a pleasing event to the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory. There was now no obstacle in the way of 
future prosperity. We have seen of what materials the Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory, from its very commencement, was 
composed. Some of the persons occupied high positions under 
the State Government — many of them were merchants of no 
ordinary note — all of them were men of respectability, and for 
the most part, filling offices in the Grand Lodge of the State. 
They were men of character and of fixed principles ; they en- 
tered upon the undertaking by the solicitation of Mr. Cerneau, 
through representations made to them ; and had any of them sup- 
posed for a moment, that they were lending their names and 
influence to an irregular and spurious Masonic body, they 
would never have continued with them for an hour. But they 
did continue to the end. The body, thus formed, had difficulties 
to contend with, which have not been alluded to, and it is for 
this purpose that we shall now return to the year 1807, and 
take up the attending circumstances in their proper course. 

" October, 1807." This date is derived from the records of 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory, and from numerous Charters, 
Certificates, Patents, &g., given by that body, to Chapters of 
Rose Croix, Councils of Princes of the Royal Secret, and 
Patents given to Deputy Inspectors General, all of which de- 
clare the body to have been founded and established in the 
month of October, 1807, and date through the various years in 



|12 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

which the Consistory was in existence. We shall give as an 

illustration in the Appendix, one — viz., a Warrant for the 

founding of ^^ Lafayette Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix,'' which 

see: 

(Appendix, Document No. 14.) 

These parchments to which I have alluded, are all signed in 
full, by the officers in their own proper hand, and sealed by 
the Grand Keeper of the Seals. And this date is fully cor- 
roborated by historians, as Dr. Oliver, Clavel, Ragon, Thory 
and others. So that upon this point, there cannot be any 
reasonable doubt. 

And we further learn from these documents, as well as from 
the records and circulars issued at various times, the name, 
under which the Rite hailed. At its formation in the city of 
New York at that period, it does not appear to have used the 
name of the " Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite,'' but its 
definitive title was, " The Ancient Scottish Rite of Heredom," 
" The Rite of Heredom," '' The Scottish Rite of Heredom," &C. 
It is quite important to our history that this fact should be 
borne in mind. And the definitive title of the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory, under this rite was " the Trinity." 

We have previously given (page 47) an account of the diifer- 
ent rites practiced in Europe after the year 1740, at which 
time, and soon after, they all came into being. Among these 
rites is the Ancient Scottish Rite of Heredom (see Ragon), which 
was practiced by the Council of the Emperors of the East and 
West, by them given to Stephen Morin, by him to Joseph Cer- 
neau, and by him brought to the city of New York. This rite 
was the one established, this the name given, and those were 
the degrees conferred. The additional eight degrees were in 
Cerneau's possession ; they were conferred by him, in common 
with the rest of the degrees, and in their proper order, so that 
the Prince of the Royal Secret numbered as the Thirty-second 
degree, and Sovereign Grand Inspector General as the Thirty- 
third, although made strictly an official degree. The reasons for 
this will be apparent, they will be given shortly. We know 
that he was possessed of them, else he could not have conferred 
them J and we also know, that all persons of whatever name, 



I 



SCOTTISH KITE OF HEEEDOM. II3 

who received the degrees up to, and including the Thirty-third, 
were acknowledged as correct, and received as such in France 
and elsewhere. Although we do not include Charleston in 
this enumeration, we do include the Supreme Council of 
France, and all other known Supreme Councils or Consistories. 

In this rite, the " Sovereign Grand Consistory " is vested with 
the sole power of administration and legislation, including that 
of granting Constitutions, in all the degrees which appertain 
to Exalted Masonry. The establishment of a Sovereign Grand 
Consistory absolutely supersedes the individual authority of 
the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, in the regulation and 
government of the Order. As to the degree of Sovereign 
Grand Inspector General, in rank the Thirty-third, the laws 
and regulations direct the manner in which the members, on 
whom it is conferred, shall be selected. It is a " dignity " 
granted as the reward of merit and experience. Those who are 
invested ivith it do not possess the arbitrary and irresponsible pow- 
er, which some, who pretend to act under SECRET CONSTITU- 
TIONS, imagine they are authorized to exercise. 

The Sovereign Grand Consistory was composed of members 
of the Thirty-second and Thirty-third degrees. And it will be 
seen in all the official documents, whether Patents, Warrants, 
Letters, Annuaries, &c., that the governing and ruling body 
of the Order was the Sovereign Grand Consistory, and this 
name and form of government, continued up to the year 1828. 

It is evident that this is correct, by an examination made of 
the records, containing the petition addressed to the Supreme 
Council of France, and received by them February 15th, 1810. 
The body there petitioning for recognition and acknowledge- 
ment or correspondence, assumed no other name or pretended 
to anything else, than the " Sovereign Grand Consistory.''^ And 
the reply received by the Consistory in New York, from the 
Supreme Council of France in 1813, confirms it as follows : 

'•On the 15th day of February, 1810, the Sovereign Grand Consistory of 
the Thirty-second degree, estabhshed for the United States at the Orient of 
New York, doing homage to the severity of the principles of the Supreme 
Council, which constantly tend to the purification of Masonry, testified the 
desire of seeing a reciprocal correspondence established between them. This 



114 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

correspondence was warmly welcomed and consecrated by the Supreme Coun- 
cil on February llth, 1813." 

And in the recognition and vote of the Grand Orient of 
France, July 3d, 1816, the same recognition is made known, 
and published by them, as to the Sovereign Grand Consistory, 
at the same time publishing the fact officially — that Germain 
Hacquet, President of the Grand Orient, was received and 
acknowledged as the representative of the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory, near the Grand Orient. Nothing, therefore, can 
be more evident, than that the body commenced with that title 
in 1807 and continued it until the year 1828. 

The person who founded and established the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory in New- York city was Mr. Joseph Cerneau. 

This, of itself, would appear to the reader to be no informa- 
tion at all, and he is naturally led, at this point, to ask the 
question, Who was Joseph Cerneau? Where did he come from 
— what was his occupation — and from where or whom, did he 
receive his degrees, or the rite which he pretended to estab- 
lish ? We shall endeavor to reply to these questions as well 
as we can. If, however, a resort should be had to the publica- 
tions made by his opponents concerning him, we should be 
forced to the conclusion that he was " but a sorry fellow after 
alV^ They state, that he was a jeweller by trade, " a poor 
pedling jeweller," " a trickster," *' a swindler," " an impostor," 
" a deceiver " and a " rascal^ They attempt to prove these 
grave charges by declaring that he made a large amount of 
money out of the degrees, by pocketing the funds, by making 
silver and tin boxes to hold the seals, by selling the degrees 
to travellers, by publishing Masonic works in the Spanish 
language, and selling them all through Mexico, South America, 
&c. Time and patience would fail in the attempt to set forth 
all the charges particularly, which these brethren have heaped 
upon him, even up to the day of his death. Nor do they let 
the matter rest there. It forms the basis of many serious 
charges, even at the present time. For an exemplification of 
some of these charges, the reader is referred to the precious 
productions of Emanuel De La Motta. Appendix, No. 17 and 
19. 



I 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 115 

We will quote a few lines from Ragon, Orthodox Ma^., 
page 328. He says : 

" Joseph Cerneau, having established himself at St. Domingo, where he was 
initiated into the ^'Rite of Perfection " by the Jew, Stephen Morin, which rite 
Moriu had brought there ; he was forced to quit this island on account of the 
insurrection of the blacks there. He travelled over the Spanish Antillas, and 
the United States, and finally fixed his residence in New York city. In 1806 
he founded the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree, installing himself 
Grand Commander, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, &c., of the same. He 
made a multitude of receptions, principally among South Americans, delivered 
diplomas, sold aprons, ribbons and jewels, to the Masons whom he initiated. 
He also manufactured tin and silver boxes which enclose the seals. To these 
diverse branches, he adds the speculation of a librarian, He became the 
author and editor of a Spanish Masonic manual, with which he inundated 
Mexico and this country. Subsequently, having re-organized his Supreme 
Council, he suceeded in establishing a correspondence with the Grand Orient 
of France." 

Now it forms no part of the author's purpose, in writing this 
history, to appear before his readers as the champion and de- 
fender of Mr. Cerneau. On the contrary, he allows as true, 
some of the charges, and will attempt to give his views con- 
cerning them, in full. 

In the first place, Mr. Cerneau was a jeweller by profession, 
a French jeweller, and it is highly probable that, like the rest 
of that class of men, he was a " pedling jeweller,^' that is to say, 
he left his native land, travelled through the West India 
Islands, and at last came to New York and settled down as a 
resident. During his travels, it is quite probable that, being 
an industrious man and a Frenchman, he made all the money 
that it was in his power to make, by selling jewelry. But, 
from the best information that can be obtained, Mr. Cerneau, 
on his arrival in New York, took or hired a store, got his 
family domiciled, went to work at his trade, as all jewellers 
generally do, and attended to his legitimate business. We 
have no evidence whatever that he pedled jewelry after his 
arrival here, except the assertions of his opponents, and it is 
quite probable that they judged Mr. Cerneau, in this matter, 
by themselves. 

They pronounce him, a trickster^ a swindler, an impostor and 



116 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

a rascal. And in proof of these serious charges they state, 
" that he made a great deal of money out of the degrees by 
pocketing the funds." There is no doubt at all, that from the 
time of his first arrival, 1806, up to the period of the formation 
of the Sovereign Grand Consistory in 1807, he made many 
receptions and took the money. It is hardly possible that it 
should have been otherwise. The rite was entirely new to this 
country, and there were, doubtless, a great number of persons 
ready to receive the new light in Masonry, which he professed 
himself able to impart. He was not alone in this business. 
His Patent from Stephen Morin gave him full power so to do. 
And if he had followed the example set him by his teacher, 
Stephen Morin, and his coadjutors, Messrs. Frankin, Hays, 
Forst, Long, Spitzer, Cohen, He Lieben, Jacobs and De La 
Motta, the charge would have beeu perfectly just and true, for 
they, by their own showing, followed that business all their 
lives long. But the records show that he pursued a different 
course. After he became acquainted with the people among 
whom he came to reside, and the rules and laws which governed 
the institution of Masonry in the land, he assembled a Consti- 
tutional number of brethren around him, whom he had before 
initiated, and formed a Sovereign Grand Consistory for the 
United States of America, which was founded for the govern- 
ment of the Exalted degrees. Having done this, the course of 
proceeding which they lay to his charge — viz., making frequent 
receptions, &c., became an impossibility. The powers of Mr. 
Cerneau then ceased as an Inspector, and the duty of making 
receptions, and taking money for the same, devolved upon the 
General Committee of Administration, before noticed, as the 
records fully prove. 

But they continue by saying, that he made a great deal of 
money by '^manufacturing silver and tin boxes to hold the Seals J^ 
This part of the story is true. He had it all in his own hands, 
and it was strictly in the way of his business. But while we 
willingly allow that he did these things every day of his life, 
and all his life long if necessary, still it does not go far towards 
proving the truth of their accusation. There does not appear 
to be any part of rascality, or deception, or trickery, or impos- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 117 

ture, in manufacturing jewelry, silver boxes, tin boxes, &c., 
and selling them to the best advantage to the brethren for 
money, Mr. Cerneau made these things and sold them, pre- 
cisely in the same way in which they are made and sold in this 
day, the only difference being, that in his day, he was the only 
one engaged in that particular branch of the Masonic jewelry 
business, and of course, made all the money, while at the present 
time, the number of manufacturing Masonic jewellers is not 
only great, but so great, that one can scarcely miss of them 
at the various corners of the streets. 

Again, They charge that he published Spanish Masonic 
works, books of instruction, &c., flooded Mexico, South Amer- 
ica and France with them, by means of which traffic, he made 
a large amount of money. This charge is true — and having 
been somewhat personally acquainted with Cerneau, the author 
would say, that he is sorry, most truly sorry, that he did not 
realize a much larger amount than he received, as, in that 
event, he might have had a fund, out of which he might have 
drawn a support in his declining years. For, in the latter 
part of the time — from 1832 onward — he was in poor circum- 
stances, and made application to the Supreme Council for 
assistance. That body made some considerable purchases of 
him, which relieved his necessities. He returned to his native 
land in comparative poverty, and died there, between the years 
1840 and 1845, while filling a small public office, under 
wretched pay. 

None of these acts, allowing them all to be true, would en- 
title him to the name of a swindler, a deceiver, an impostor, or 
a rascal, nor would they injure his character in the least, as an 
honest man, or an upright Mason. As an illustration, let us 
glance at a few facts connected with the business of Masonry, 
which have occurred, and are now occurring in our own land. 
The narrative of Jeremy L. Cross, published in the Sixteenth 
edition of his " Hieroglyphic Monitor " so completely covers 
all the ground, that we shall quote from it instead of offering 
our own remarks. He says, page 343 and onward : 

" The author has spent over forty years in the service of the Order as a 
^'Lecturer."' During all this time he has labored diligently to preserve care- 



118 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

fully, every thing connected with the work as he received it. The system, as 
taught by hina, was adopted about the year 1800. After the Grand Lodges 
of the several States had declared themselves free and independent, and the 
General Grand Chapter was formed and organized in 1798, it was deemed ad- 
visable to adopt a regular and uniform mode of lecturing and work for the 
whole, and in order to accomplish this great desideratum, the expert workmen 
from various parts of the country met together. The work was completed and 
adopted fully by the year 1810. It was at this period he commenced lecturing 
in the New England States, with all those bright and well informed Masons, 
who had been so assiduous in selecting and arranging the above system. After 
spending some years in the New England States, in the year 1815 he visited 
New Tork, where he received the Ineffable and Sublime degrees, and was 
regularly constituted and appointed by the Supreme Council, a Sovereign 
Grand Inspector General, Thirty-third and last degree, received as a member 
of said Council, &c. Early in 1816, having been sanctioned as a Grand Lec- 
turer by the Officers of the General Grand Chapter of the United States of 
America, and receiving all necessary authority and instruction upon that sub- 
ject from the body, he proceeded on his tour, taking in all the several Lodges 
and Chapters in New Jersey ; from thence to Delaware, lecturing in all the 
Lodges and Chapters in that State ; thence to Baltimore, where he received 
from Brothers Eckles and Niles, a Warrant to confer the Royal and Select 
Masters degrees, and to establish Councils in all places where there was a 
Royal Arch Chapter, if desired. And by this authority he established Coun- 
cils in most of the places he visited in the Western and Southern States. 

" While at Cincinnati, Frankfort and Lexington, he was joined by Thomas 
Smith Webb and J. Snow, who were also engaged in Masonic business. At 
Cincinnati he was visited by many committees of persons, deputized to obtain 
for Councils, the Royal and Select Masters degrees, which degrees were uni- 
versally adopted throughout the country. 

" Finishing his travels in the West, he passed on to Natchez and New 
Orleans, at which latter place he, in the year 1817, was received and acknow- 
ledged by the Consistory, was presented with a full and perfect set of all the 
degrees, their histories, accompanied with the drawings, emblems, seals, &c. 
From thence he visited the eastern shore of Maryland. In that year he re- 
turned to New England, and lectured in Connecticut during most of the time 
of his stay there. In the autumn he went to Virginia, returned to Connecticut 
in 1818, where he spent the two following years. In 1819 he first published 
his Hieroglyphic Monitor or Chart, and in 1820 the Templars Chart. 

" He at this time became acquainted with J. Cushman, and instructed 
and perfected him in all the lectures, including the Orders of Knighthood. 
After leaving him, Cushman lectured in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, 
North and South Carolina and Georgia, and spent several years in the busi- 
ness. About the same time, John Barker also learned from him, and went to 
South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. Wadsworth, 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM 119 

Barney, Enos and others, were all schooled by Cross, and sent on their 
mission, 

" During the next ten years he resided in Connecticut, and attended to the 
publication of his books, but occasionally following lecturing. It was at this 
time, and while having some leisure, and having, by experience, felt the want 
of a uniformity of lecturing and work, and of keeping those parts belong- 
ing to one degree of Masonry from being mixed up with others, that he com- 
menced arranging the emblems and illustrations, agreeably to his mode of 
lecturing and work, and of designing many new illustrations, which were first 
brought out in a small volume, called the ' True Masonic Chart or Hieroglyphic 
Monitor,'' first published in 1819. The publication of the Masonic Chart was 
something new in the annals of Masonry, there never having been any thing 
published in the way of emblems before, more than those which were on what 
is called the ' Masters Carpet' 

" The introduction of so many new emblems, and the arrangement of them 
in a systematic manner, was found to be quite an acquisition to the craft, and 
the work met with a universal reception. It rapidly passed through several 
editions. Many of the Grand Lodges adopted it as their text book, and the 
members of nearly all the subordinate Lodges used it as their guide. In the 
year 1820 he brought out the ' Templars Chart,' with similar emblems and 
illustrations, which work met with equally flattering success. 

" In 1824 he received from the Supreme Grand Council of the Thirty-third 
degree. Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Charleston, South Carolina, by 
the hands of Brother Barker, letters Patent and a Warrant, constituting him 
a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Thirty-third and last degree, and author- 
izing and empowering him for Hfe, to establish, congregate, superintend and 
inspect Lodges, Chapters, Colleges, Consistories and Councils, of the Royal 
and Military Orders of Ancient and Modern Free Masonry, over the surface 
of the two hemispheres." 

This document, verbatim, with the signatures, and other 
matters connected with it, is given in the Appendix, Document 
35, and will be noticed in its proper place. 

" In 1834 he removed to the city of New York, and entering into mercan- 
tile pursuits, continued in that avocation for several years. In 1845 he pub- 
lished improved editions of his Masonic and Templars Charts, which continued 
to be the standard works of those degrees of which they treat. In 1851 he 
brought out his sixteenth edition, and subsequently another edition-; when his 
works passed out of his hands." 

We would offer an apology to the reader for the introduc- 
tion of this history of Mr. Cross, apparently irrelevant to the 
history of the Exalted or higher degrees. We have a particu- 
lar object in so doing. Here we have the narrative of a man, 



120 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

who was a veteran in Masonry. He commencenced his career 
when Masonry, in our land, was in its youthful day. He made 
himself acquainted with the lectures, and then entered upon 
the work as a pursuit of life — spending the better part of thirty 
years in this occupation, laboring from one end of the Union 
to the other, and receiving from each Masonic body a large 
remuneration. Besides the profit arising from " lecturing,^^ he 
published his Masonic books, took them with him, selling all he 
could by the way, and making agents for the sale of the same 
in every city and town through which he passed. The price 
which he charged for his works was very high, and he gave 
but a very limited per centage to agents. He also had manu- 
factured for him, and sold a very large amount of Lodge and 
Chapter decorations, jewels, furniture, collars, &c., and, added 
to all the other things, he had purchased from Eckles and 
Niles, of Baltimore, the power to establish Councils of Eoyal 
and Select Masters, for which he received $100 per Council, 
besides the remuneration for perfecting the members in the 
lectures and work. So great was his success in all these 
branches, that in 1834 he had amassed a very considerable 
amount of money, and came to the city of New York, where he 
commenced the business of a wholesale paper dealer. During 
all the time he was in business, he kept a room devoted to the 
sale of his books and Masonic jewels, decorations, &c., driving 
a brisk trade, being looked upon, even at that late day, as the 
chief and most reliable dealer in Masonic books and merchan- 
dize. 

But during all this long period of time, no member of the 
fraternity dared to call Mr. Cross a rascal, a deceiver, an im- 
postor, or a swindler. His character, as a man and a Mason, 
was unimpeachable, and there was not a single man in the 
whole land who was more highly esteemed by the brotherhood 
than Jeremy L. Cross. 

Now, we would ask in all plainness, wherein was the differ- 
ence between Mr. Joseph Cerneau and Mr. Cross ? Did Mr. 
Cerneau establish Masonic bodies, confer degrees, take the 
money, &c. ? So did Mr. Cross. Did the one, manufacture 
silver and tin boxes for holding seals, sell jewels, aprons, deco- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 121 

rations, &c. ? So did the other. Did Mr. Cerneau enter into 
the speculation of a librarian and publish Masonic books, &c. ? 
So did Mr. Cross. There was no difference between the two 
whatever. And yet poor Mr. Cerneau, with no other charges 
laid against him, is pronounced by some, to have been a swin- 
dler, a deceiver, an impostor, and a rascal, while those same 
men are willing to concede, that Mr. Cross was an honest man 
and an upright Mason. 

The same remarks will apply to Thomas Smythe Webb, J. 
Snow, Gleason, James Cushman, John Barker, Mr. Barney, 
and others mentioned in the narrative of Mr. Cross, who were 
mostly prepared by him as lecturers, and spent their lives in 
the business as an occupation. And what shall we say of the 
present day. The number of venders of Masonic paraphernalia 
is great, and the country is covered with lecturers, &c., but 
among the whole, none are pointed at as deceivers, swindlers 
or impostors, unless from some other cause than that of making 
money by lecturing, and publishing, and selling Masonic works. 

In all the researches made, we have not yet been able to find 
any other charges laid against Mr. Cerneau, than those which 
we have named. Let those who knew Mr. Cerneau best, and 
had the most to do with him, speak of his character. In a 
Report of the General Committee of Administration of the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory, drawn up in the year 1813, and 
signed in full by Messrs. Mulligan, Schieffelin, Hicks, Bou- 
chaud, Hoffman, Rainetaux and Dubuar, they say, " Yet this is 
the only reason offered to cover the malignity which has 
prompted this atrocious libel on a valuable and zealous Mason, 
an industrious artizan, the father of a family, a meritorious and 
peaceful citizen, a man of unsuspicious disposition, easily im- 
posed upon by adventurers, and whose main failing is, the 
want of a proper acquaintance with the English language." 

But there is one more point to be touched upon — viz.. That 
Cerneau made a great amount of money by the conferring of 
degrees. A good part of this accusation may be true. It lias 
been before remarked, that when Cerneau arrived in this coun- 
try, Masonry was, comparatively speaking, in its infancy. The 
Blue degrees, it is true, were practiced in the Lodges as they 



122 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. . 

are now. But the General Grand Chapter had been formed 
only a few years previous, under which the degrees were 
classified, and the Chapters regulated, so that but few Chap- 
ters were in existence and working order. Aside from these 
bodies but little was known of other degrees. That little 
would refer to detached, and side degrees, which are not of 
sufficient importance to dwell upon here. 

Mr. Cerneau arrived, in ignorance of the English language, 
and the manners and customs of the people. His first step was 
to seek for Masonic acquaintances, and the first person who 
became his intimate friend was Mr. John W. Mulligan, through 
whose assistance the Sovereign Grand Consistory was formed. 
Finding that Mr. Cerneau was in possession of the requisite 
and authentic powers to do so, he introduced him to many 
notable and highly esteemed Masons, and finally, through his 
influence and exertions, the body was organized and com- 
pleted. 

The first body which Cerneau attempted to establish in New 
York, was the Rose Croix Chapter, under the title of "TWp/e 
Jlmitie;^ about the year 1806. This continued but a year or 
two, when the Consistory was formed. In 1807 the work of 
the Chapter ceased, but it arose again in 1808, with a Charter 
from the Sovereign Grand Consistory, under the name of 
''Triple Jllliance,^^ and continued so up to the year 1828. 

Cerneau also conferred the degrees of Knighthood on indi- 
viduals by virtue of his Patent, and all the Knights Templar, 
Knights of the Red Cross, and Knights of Malta, in New York 
at that time, of the present system practiced, were made so by 
Cerneau. The first Encampment formed, was known after- 
wards, as the " Old Encampment, ^^ then came " Jerusalem En- 
campment,^^ and last came " Columbian Encampment, JYo. 1," 
chartered between 1811 and 1813 by the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory, all of which came together to receive from the 
Grand Encampment of the State of New York in 1814 their 
Warrants, at which time Columbian Encampment received her 
number as first in the Order. And when the deputation of 
Royal Arch Masons came from Rhode Island in 1813 to receive 
the Exalted degrees, and thus form a Consistory in Newport, 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 123 

they received power from Joseph Cerneau to establish an En- 
campment there. That Encampment was formed, and contin- 
ued working under that power, until the State Grand Encamp- 
ment was formed, at which time they came under that head. 

Mr. C. Moore, of Cincinnati, in a communication upon this 
subject, thus says : 

" The Qpnsistory in Rhode Island was established about 1811 and 1813, and 
was a Cerneau body. The Masons exalted to the Royal Arch degree, by the 
Newport Chapter, being desirous of having the Higher degrees, and the author- 
ity to confer said degrees being lost by the decease of Moses Seixas, they ap- 
pointed a Committee to proceed to New York and receive them, and obtain 
authority to establish a Consistory in Newport. The Consistory, at that time 
gave the degrees of Knighthood, there being no Encampment then, but when 
the Grand Encampment of New England was formed, those who had received 
the degrees of Knighthood, joined and became subordinate to said body, and 
received a Dispensation to confer the degrees, according to the terms of the 
original Dispensation for a Consistory." And this is confirmed by the let- 
ters of John A. Shaw and Stephen Deblois, both of whom were active mem- 
bers of both bodies. (See Appendix, Document No. 19.) 

It must be borne in mind that there were Encampments of 
Knights Templars in existence many years before Mr. Cerneau 
arrived in this country from St. Domingo, as well as Knights 
of St. John of Jerusalem, and of Malta. None of these, how- 
ever, were esteemed as Masonic bodies, or in any way connec- 
ted with Masonry. Many received these orders of Knighthood 
who were not Masons. Brother Elias Hicks was initiated a 
Knight of St. John of Jerusalem one year before he was initi- 
ated into Masonry, and all Master Masons were eligible to the 
Knight of Malta and Mediterranean Pass, as late as the year 
1820. - Jt was a very common thing at that period, to confer 
this Order in Lodges of Master Masons. 

".The first Encampments of. Knights Templar, established in this country, 
were located in New York city and Stillwater, in the State of New York, 
but we have not been able to learn, either the date of their establishment, or 
by what authority they were planted. We know, however, that they were in 
existence prior to 1797, for in May of that year, an Encampment was estab- 
lished in Philadelphia, and the records of that, shows the previous existence of 
the two former Encampments. It is known that other Encampments were 
established in this country by " Consistories," and also by the mere authority 
of a Deputy Inspector General, and therefore, we conclude that the Encamp- 



124 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

ments of Knights Templar were planted under the authority of the Ineffable 
or Scotch Rite. 

" In 1802, a few Knights met in Providence, Rhode Island, and, without 
any authority whatever^ resolved themselves into an Encampment. In 1805, 
a Convention was held in Providence, composed of delegates from the En- 
campments in New York city, Stillwater and Albany, New York. Encamp- 
ments No. 3, 13 and 24, of Maryland, and two Encampments in Massachu- 
setts, one of which, situated in Boston, was an Encampment of J^ose Croix. 
This Convention resolved itself into a Grand Encampment. 

" In 1812, the above named Grand Encampment resolved itself into a Gene- 
ral Grand Encampment, and made its Constitution to correspond ; and in 
1816, it again resolved itself into a General Grand Encampment of the United 
States of America, and again remodelled its Constitution, and provided for 
the establishment of State Grand Encampments, &c." Mitchell's History, 
Volume 2, page 85. 

This is a short sketch of these bodies as they existed before 
the year 1811. It was about this time that the degree of 
Knight Templar was remodelled, and placed in a form or sys- 
tem, similar to the Chapter degrees. The system commenced 
with Knight of the Red Cross, which was followed by Knights 
Templar ; then the Knights of Malta, ending with the " Chris- 
tian Mark '' and " Knight of the Holy Sepulchre/' in all five 
degrees. 

To Mr. Cerneau, and the Sovereign Grand Consistory, the 
Masonic world is indebted for the establishment of this system 
— the founding of Columbian Encampment, and the establish- 
ment of the Grand Encampment of the State of New York. 
By referring to the list of ofi&cers at its foundation, and com- 
paring that list with the officers of the Sovereign Grand Con- 
sistory, they will be found nearly alike, and this forms one of 
the chief grounds of De La Motta's complaint in 1813 concern- 
^ing the Grand Consistory — viz., " that its pretended officers 
were also the chief officers in the Grand Encampment of the 
State, which, in his estimation, was a most dreadful matter." 
See his Replication. Appendix, Document 19. 

As the degrees of the Chapter were arranged and placed in 
a regular form between the years 1797 and 1800, after which 
a regular series of lectures and mode of work were affixed to 
the same, so with 'the degrees of the Encampment. It was 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 125 

consummated by the year 1814, and the Encampment degrees 
then became a part of the Masonic system. 

The following extract from the " Proceedings of the Grand 
Encampment'' published 1860, will be interesting to the reader 
as confirming the above statement concerning the conferring 
of the degrees of Knighthood and the formation of the Grand 
Encampment, State of New York : 

" The Grand Encampment of Sir Knights Templars and Appendant Orders, 
for the State of New York, regularly constituted by the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory of the Chiefs of Exalted Masonry for the United States of America, 
its Territories and Dependencies, sitting in New York. 

" This day, the 18th of the 4th month, A. L., 5814, answering to June, 
A. D., 1814, &c., agreeably to notice, assembled at the place assigned for their 
deliberations, this Grand Encampment was opened in due form and becoming 
solemnity. Brother Jonathan Schieffelin officiating as Thrice Illustrious Grand 
Master ; James B. Durand as Senior Warden, and Toussaint Midy as Junior 
"Warden. 

" The object of the meeting being announced, the Grand Orator took occa- 
sion to deliver a discourse, in which he stated the proceedings and ceremonial 
which took place at the formation of the Grand Encampment by the Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory, in the city of New York, in January, 1814. 

" That the numerous Encampments of Knights Templars, now existing with- 
in this State, beii^g self created bodies, are consequently governed by their own 
private and individual laws, acknowledging no superior authority, because, in 
fact, none heretofore existed. A longer continuance of this state of things 
could be but productive of ill consequences, inasmuch as it was to be appre- 
hended that these sorts of unconstituted Associations, so rapidly increasing 
in number, would sooner or later have lessened, if not entirely destroyed, that 
commanding respect due to so dignified a degree as that of Knight Templar, 
&c. 

" Accordiogly, the Sovereign Grand Consistory, fully impressed' with the 
necessity and importance of this subject, has, at its session on the 22d of Jan- 
nary, A. D., 1814, as aforesaid, decreed by a unanimous vote, the establish- 
ment of a " Grand Encampment of Knights Templak and Appendant 
Orders for the State of New York," and immediately proceeded to its 
formation by choosing the Grand Officers thereof, taken (for this time only) 
from among its own members, as follows : 

Dewitt Clinton, Thr.-. Illustrious Grand Master, 

Martin Hoffinan, Grand Generalissimo, 

John W. Mulligan, Grand Captain General, 

James B. Durand, Senior Grand Warden, 

Jacob Schieffelin, Junior Grand Warden, 

Elias Hicks, Grand Orator, 



126 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. ^ 

Anthony Rainetaux, Grand Recorder, 

Joseph Gouin, Grand Treasurer, 

Jonathan Schieffelin, Grand Marshal. 
" They were accordingly installed into their respective oJBSces, and the 
establishment of the Grand Encampment of Sir Knights Templars and Ap- 
pendant Orders for the State of New York was next proclaimed in ample 

FOEM." 

This organization continued until 1816, when it came under 
the supervision of the General Grand Encampment of the 
United States, formed in that year. 

Cerneau also conferred the degrees of Royal and Select Mas- 
ter, and by him the first Council of Royal Masters was formed 
in the State of New York. Subsequently, the degrees spread 
far and wide over the State, and many other Councils were 
formed. Soon after the meeting of the General Grand Chap- 
ter in 1816, a State Grand Council of Royal Masters was 
formed, and all existing Councils came under that body. One 
fact is here worthy of note. The Masons of that day were 
divided in opinion concerning the proper place to which these 
degrees belonged. One party was in favor of connecting them 
with the ritual, preceding the Royal Arch degree, while the 
other party preferred that they should be kept separate, and 
left where they were — a separate system. At the meeting of 
the General Grand Chapter in 1816, the whole matter there 
came up for discussion ; Mr. Eckles, of Maryland, taking a 
very prominent part in advocating the union of these two de- 
grees with the services of the Royal Arch Chapter. The dis- 
cussion became warm, and lasted for the better part of two 
days, when the motion to unite them with the Chapter degrees 
was rejected. Whereupon, immediately after adjournment, the 
State Grand Council of Royal Masters was formed, and the 
different Councils then came under that governing power, and 
continued so up to 1828. It was this move of the General 
Grand Chapter, in refusing a recognition of those degrees, that 
determined Mr. Cross in his future course. 

Mr. Eckles, the Baltimore delegate, then went home ; and 
when Cross, who, at that session of the General Grand Chap- 
ter, had been appointed and confirmed as General Grand 
Lecturer, started on his lecturing tour, he stopped at Baltimore 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 127 

and purchased and received the privilege from Eckles and 
Niles, to erect and establish Councils of Royal and Select 
Masters throughout the Southern and Western States. This 
privilege he carried out pretty effectually, beginning with New 
Jersey : and all the Councils in existence, in those States, 
mentioned in his narrative, were established by himself. Also 
the Eastern States, excepting Ehode Island. But the particu- 
lars of the arrangement between the two parties in the j&rst 
instance, never were known. This, however, may be said — 
Mr. Cross acted with exact justice to all concerned, and 
moreover, made it obligatory upon all the bodies which he 
founded, that as soon as there should be three Councils of 
Royal Masters in a State, they should at once come together 
and form a Grand Council, and be governed by the same. 

Out of this act of Mr. Cross, in establishing Councils of 
Royal Masters, grew up a difference of feeling between those 
bodies, and the Councils established by Mr. Cerneau. None 
of them were on terms of intercourse, and that difference be- 
tween the New York and Rhode Island Councils on the one 
side, and the Cross Councils on the other, was kept up until 
1828. 

Although the degrees of Royal and Select Master have been 
matters of great dispute, and a great deal of difficulty has been 
encountered in fixing their paternity, yet there is no doubt 
whatever, that the degrees were brought to this country by the 
successors of Stephen Morin, and by them disseminated through 
the country. It is true that they, as well as many other de- 
grees, are not contained in the published list, as degrees over 
which they pretend to have control", but by referring to the 
Charleston document of 1802, (Document No. 7,) it will there 
be found that the ""Elect of Twenty-seven " is mentioned among 
the isolated degrees which the Inspectors give, free of expense. 
This is the degree of ''Select Master " now practiced. 

Also by referring to the Diary of Abraham Jacobs, (Docu- 
ment No. 15.) it will be seen that he was in the habit of con- 
ferring that degree long before 1801. 

And it is also stated, that there is evidence of the existence 
of these degrees in Albany, New York, as early as 1766, 



128 SCOTTISH RTTE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

which, if true, would prove that the same person who founded 
the Sublime Lodge of Perfection there, (Henry A. Francken,) 
also conferred these degrees. They were also conferred in 
Rhode Island by Myers, in 1781, at which time Seixas received 
them from his hands. 

But in all these cases, as well as with Mr. Cerneau, they 
were conferred as distinct, or detached degrees, having nothing 
to do v^ith the system of Scottish Masonry. Neither the Coun- 
cil of Charleston, or the Sovereign Grand Consistory recog- 
nized them in any other light. Subsequently, when the mem- 
bers became numerous, they formed themselves into Councils, 
and as soon as there were three Councils in a State, they con- 
stituted a Grand Council for that State — and thus it is at the 
present day. 

A very good sketch of the origin and progress of these de- 
grees will be found in Mitchell's Masonic History, Volume 1, 
page 706. 

Mr. Cerneau also established a degree called ^'AarovbS Band^^ 
which continued to be worked as a detached degree for many 
years, in a separate body ; but eventually, about the year 
1825, was stopped by the interference of the Grand Chapter, 
which body stated that it was an infringement upon the degree 
of Eigli Priefsthood. Richard Ellis, the High Priest of Ancient 
Chapter was the presiding officer of the body in 1824. 

Now, from these few facts which have been cited, it is quite 
probable that Cerneau did make a great deal of money by 
conferring Masonic degrees, but it is not proved, that in so 
doing, he interfered with, or infringed upon, any regular body 
or rite. And, as was the case in every instance, both with 
Mr. Cross and himself, as soon as a sufficient number could be 
found, who were qualified, they formed into regular bodies, 
and took to themselves a proper head. 

But whatever may have been the character of Mr. Cerneau 
in this respect, it is, at the present time, a matter of very little, 
consequence. He might, as his enemies and opposers have 
always been ready to assert, have been a trickster, a travelling 
jeweller, and the manufacturer of " wares " for the Craft. He 
might have been a publisher of Masonic works in foreign Ian- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 129 

guages, with wliicli lie flooded a portion of tlie world. And 
he miglit have made a great deal of money by these things, as 
well as by conferring Masonic degrees. But we are not aware 
that there is any particular crime or turpitude in this conduct, 
as it regards the Masonic institution. Nor does his conduct, 
if rightly stated, prove him to have been any different, from 
that of a great number of highly respectable Masons in the 
year 1861, whose standing in the Order is irreproachable, who 
would think it a strange thing to have their conduct called in 
question on these accounts, and who are always, and at all 
times, ready to traffic and deal in Masonic matters, on a much 
larger scale than Mr. Cerneau ever dreamed of. 

It must be very evident that he acted witli great and good 
judgement, as far as it concerns bis proceedings, in the form- 
ing and establishment of the Sovereign Grand Consistory and 
Supreme Council. He was aware that the Exalted degrees of 
Masonry had already, through the trafhcing spirit of the 
travelling Inspectors, and pretended members of the Supreme 
Grand Council of Charleston, fallen into great disrepute. He 
saAv that they were being made an article of merchandize, and 
wishing to rescue them from the ruin which threatened them, 
he sought out reputable and influential men in the community, 
men who were highly esteemed by the Masonic fraternity and 
above reproach, and placed the whole matter in their hands, 
thus forming the bodies upon a sure basis. As soon as this 
was completed, he retired from its active duties. We find, by 
a reference to the records, that he officiated but very little as 
an active officer, except in the French language, but gave up 
the whole management of affairs to the " Grand Committee of 
General Administration," a list of which has been given, and 
which may be referred to at page 108. 

Now, one of the principal charges brought against Mr. Cer- 
neau is, that he established the Sovereign Grand Consistory 
and Supreme Council, for the purpose of pocketing the funds 
or making money from it. A charge of this kind, brought 
against the honorable and high-minded men who composed 
those bodies, would be simply ridiculous, and not worthy of the 
time it would take to write out a refutation. The names of 



130 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

the brethren mentioned, as composing those bodies, are too 
well known by the community, and their memories are too 
warmly cherished by the fraternity, and by the world, to re- 
quire a refutation here. And if such charges should be made 
in this day, they would scarcely be credited by the youngest 
and most uninformed member of the institution. 

There was now no obstacle in the way. The Sovereign 
Grand Consistory of the Ancient Scottish Rite of Heredora 
had been regularly and constitutionally formed, her of&cers in- 
stalled, the Statutes and General Regulations of the Order 
complied with, and application made to other bodies for recog- 
.nition and confirmation. The founding and establishment of 
ithe body had been published to the world, with a list of the 
'degrees over which the Sovereign Grand Consistory claimed 
control. But there were difficulties to contend with, which 
have not yet been alluded to, and which we shall now endeavor 
to explain. And in order to do so we shall go back a little in 
the history, preceding what is to come with a short history of 
Mraham Jacobs, a Hebrew schoolmaster, who took up his resi- 
dence in New York city in the year 1803 or 1804. The facts 
given are taken from his own Register and Diary, and parts of 
them published in the Appendix, Document No. 15. The orig- 
inal Diary and Register are in possession of the Supreme 
Grand Council from which the document in the Appendix is 
copied. He died in New York about the year 1840. At his 
decease he willed, that all his Masonic records should be 
placed in possession of the Supreme Grand Council, at the 
head of which, at that time, was Henry C. Atwood, for future 
reference. The reason why this particular disposition of his 
records was made, will be explained. The facts here given, 
being written with his own hand, may be deemed reliable and 
correct. 

He states in his Register that he was initiated as an Entered 
Apprentice, and passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on the 
22d day of July, 1782, in St. Andrews Lodge, Boston, Massa- 
chusetts. (Here follows a copy of his certificate to that effect, 
signed by Robert Revere as Worshipful Master ; Robert 
McElroy as Senior Warden ; N. Willis as Junior Warden ; 



I 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 131 

Benjamin Coolidge as Secretary ; and the Seal of the Lodge 
is regularly attached.) He states, that he was subsequently 
raised to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason in Lodge JYo. 1 
(no name) at Charleston, South Carolina, which Lodge then 
held its Warrant under the R .*. W.*. Grand Lodge in Europe, 
in the Presidency of the Worshipful Grand Master, the Duke 
of Athol. (As the Grand Lodge of South Carolina was not 
instituted until 1787, the raising of Jacobs was previous to 
that date.) 

On the first day of May, 1788, he received, as he states, a 
certificate from the Sublime Lodge established at Charleston, 
as Grand, Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason. The certificate 
purports to be signed by Joseph Da Costa, Sublime Grand 
Secretary ; also Edward Weyman, M. Gist, John Mitchell, 
Joseph Bee, T. B. Bowen and Abraham Saportas. (All the 
certificates given in the Register are in his own hand-writing, 
and are not at all in the form or wording of the certificates 
which we now have.) 

In the spring of 1790, Jacobs had removed from Charleston 
to Jamaica, West Indies, and there met with Moses Cohen and 
Abraham Forst. They together promoted him to the degree 
of Knight of the Sun, and " gave him a certificate of the same, 
together with a ' Power' to promote the interests of the Craft.''^ 
He sailed in the following November for Savannah, Georgia. 
His certificate, he says, was signed by Moses Cohen, Jacob 
Delion and Abraham Bonito (all of them Hebrews) and gave 
him the power to Initiate, Pass, Raise and Exalt to the Sub- 
lime degrees, constitute Blue Lodges, &c., &c., dated Novem- 
ber 9th, 1790. In March, 1792, the certificate, together with 
his other credentials, were acknowledged and endorsed by 
Israel Delieben, a member of the Prince Masons of Dublin. In 
1799 he of&ciated as Worshipful Master of Forsyth Lodge, of 
Augusta, Georgia. In 1802 he opened a Sublime Lodge in 
Savannah. In 1803 he had removed to New York city, and 
made it his future residence. In the month of October, 1808, 
he says, he conferred the Sublime degrees on nineteen brethren 
in New York city, and opened a Sublime Grand Lodge there. 



132 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Jacobs aware of his being guilty of a wrong act, thus words 
his Register : 

" October lOfch. Brother Jacobs, then residing in New York, North 
America, in which city the Sublime degrees ivere not estaMished, was petitioned 
by a number of old Royal Arch and Master Masons of the Blue Lodge, to con- 
fer the Sublime degrees on them, for the purpose of establishing the degrees in 
this city. 

" Brother Jacobs being ever ready to promote the Royal Art, on making 
the necessary inquiry of the respectability of the applicants, concluded to com- 
municate the Sublime degrees to them. On the 3d of November following, 
the number of nineteen brethren (names omitted in bis Register, but given in 
his Diary) were brought up to the degree of Prince of Jerusalem, when they 
nominated the officers for the Council, and for the Lodge of Perfection, under 
the founder, Abraham Jacobs, until a regular Warrant should be had and ob- 
tained from the Grand Council in Charleston, and due notice thereof was 
given in the public prints the ensuing day, (November 4th, 1808.) On the 
16th of November, the brethren met at their Council Chamber, which was 
opened by the Founder, Abraham Jacobs, with all its honors and solemnities. 
They were then visited by Illustrious Brother John Gabrid Tardy, Deputy 
Inspector General for Pennsylvania; Illustrious Brother John James Joseph 
Gourgas and Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, Kadosh and Princes of the Royal 
Secret, who, with the consent of the body, they agreed to take them under 
their protection, and become their head, and accordingly granted them a War- 
rant and Constitution, and organized the Council and Sublime Lodge at that 
meeting. On the 17th, Brother Jacobs addressed another letter to the Sublime 
Council at Charleston, and communicated the foregoing proceedings to them." 

These are the statements that appear in his Register ; but 
his Diary, connected with the same, kept in another book, and 
sealed with his private seal, shows more particularly his pro- 
ceedino^s, from the time he landed in Savannah, from Jamaica 
up to 1808 — ending with this, his last " recorded " exploit. 
There are others, to come after, which are not " recorded/^ are 
of much later date, which we shall give in their proper place. 
The ^'Diary " forms Document No. 15, Appendix, to which the 
reader is referred. 

The Diary of " J\Iinutes and Proceedings " commences with 
May 27th, 1792. It will be recollected that he says in his 
Register, "In 1802, Jacobs, having initiated eight brethren, 
opened a Sublime Lodge in SavannahJ^ Now between 1792 and 
1802 is an interval of ten years, and by reading the Diary, we 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 133 

find the manner in which he occupied himself during this 
interval. 

The first entry in the book purports to be, the copy of a let- 
ter received by him from a Mr. Zimmerman, of Augusta, re- 
questing him to come to that city and confer the Sublime 
degrees upon ten or twelve brethren. He accordingly went ; 
arrived there June 9th, and met with sixteen brethren. He 
conferred the degrees upon the whole batch, which appears to 
have occupied his time from the above date to July 3d, having 
held meetings with them every day and evening. The names 
of the parties, the dates of the meetings, and the degrees con- 
ferred, are all written in full, to which the reader is particu- 
larly referred. There appears to have been one bad character 
among them, who had progressed as far as the Tenth degree, 
when they made the discovery that he had been an inmate of 
the States Prison. They cut him off, proceeded with the rest, 
and finished on the above-mentioned date. 

After a lapse of eight years, during which time Jacobs had 
been frequently there, he says, in closing this part of his 
Diary : 

" January 25th, 1800. I returned to Augusta and found Brother Urquhart 
in possession of the drafts and other copies, that I left for their use on the 3d 
of July, 1792, hut no Lodge or Council had been established. He informed me, 
that two of the copies had been lost, and requested I would let him have them, 
but evaded it in consequence of the death of Brother Zimmerman, &c." 

So it appears that Jacobs made a very fair operation out of 
this transaction, and waited for the next set of customers. 
They were not long in coming, as will be seen in the next 
entry — 

" Savannah, 17th April, 1796. Found a candidate in James Clank, and 
gave him the degrees." 

■ On the 21st of November, same year, he receives an applica- 
tion from fourteen brethren in the town of Washington, County 
of Wilkes, Georgia, he says : 

" Finding no Lodge at Augusta, noi- liJcelij to be, as well as being twenty- 
five leagues distance, and ' the applicants all men of responsibility,' complied 
with their requests, and commenced November 24th, and finished Deeember 
27th." 



134 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

He was again at the same place in May of the year follow- 
ing, and confers the degrees on three more — making in all 
eighteen more — but as yet there was no Lodge of Perfection or 
Council of Princes formed, nor likely to be. No mention is 
made in his Register of any of these initiations. 

The next entry in his Diary is at Savannah, 12th of Decem- 
ber, 1801, when he begins again with a single candidate, and 
at the conclusion he numbers eleven more, carrying him down 
to July 9th, 1802. 

It appears that in the following November, Emanuel De La 
Motta, from Charleston, a very intimate friend of Jacobs, ar- 
rived at Savannah. A meeting of those who had received the 
degrees from Jacobs was called on Sunday, at which a Com- 
mittee was appointed to wait upon him, and request his 
attendance. The following week, November 9th, De La Motta 
attended, conferred several degrees, and was with them until 
November 15th. Through his influence the preliminaries for 
forming a Council of Princes, and Sublime Lodge were en- 
tered into, which resulted in the formation of these bodies as 
before stated, 1802. This fact Jacobs has mentioned in his 
Eegister. He mentions only eight brethren, whereas there 
were eleven, but does not mention a word concerning the thir- 
ty-four others in Augusta and Washington, making in all for- 
ty-seven initiations. 

His Diary next opens in New York city, September 23d, 
1804, wherein he states that he conferred the degree of " Mas- 
ter Mark Mason^' on Brother Joseph Jacobs. This act is com- 
mitted in the face of Mark Lodges and Chapters, many of 
which were in operation, and had been for years. But as his 
power, (received in the island of Jamaica from Brother Moses 
Cohen,) authorized him, not only to do this, but also to confer 
the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master 
Mason, to establish Lodges, &c., he did not stop at trifles like 
this, but went right on, as the sequel will show. He then 
commenced with Jacobs, October 4th, and by July 5th, 1805, 
he had conferred upon him all the degrees, up to the Prince 
of Libanus. 

January 19th. 1806. He commenced conferring the degrees 



I 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 135 

on Thomas Lownds, and the following July, he conferred on 
Jacobs the degree of Knight of the Sun. 

December 31st, 1807. Commenced conferring the degrees on 
Sampson Simson and Isaac Moses, and by February 4tli, 1808, 
had carried them up to the Prince of Jerusalem. On the 4th of 
August he commenced again with Lownds, and by the 30th, had 
carried him up to the Prince of Jerusalem. On the 1st of Sep- 
tember he commenced with Col. Wm. T. Hunter, Jeremiah Shot- 
well and John E. Runkle, and by October 26th he had com- 
pleted " nineteen initiations,^^ of which the following is a list : 

Joseph Jacobs, K. S., Samuel Phelps, P. of J., 

Daniel McCormack, P. of J., John Clough, P. of J., 

Thomas Lownds, K. H., Benjamin Aycrigg, P. of J., 

Sampson Simson, K. H., Stephen Scudder, P. of J., 

Isaac Moses, P. of J., Joel Hart, P. of J., 

John E. Runkle, K. H., Mordecai Myers, K. H., 

Jeremiah Shotwell, K. H., Richard Riker, K. H., 

Wm. T. Hunter, P. of J., Samuel Riker, P. of J., 

Andrew Sitcher, K. H., Daniel Beach, K. H., 
Wm. F. Stewart, P. of J. 

These brethren, being desirous of forming a Sublime Lodge 
and Council of Princes of Jerusalem, met in Convention, nomi- 
nated their officers, (see list in the Diary,) and on the 6th of 
November, met together as a body, having been installed on 
the 3d by Abraham Jacobs, their ""founder!^ when they were 
" taken under the protection of our Illustrious Brother John 
G. Tardy, K. H., Prince of the Royal Secret and Deputy In- 
spector General, accompanied with the Illustrious Brethren 
John James Joseph Gourgas and Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, 
K. S., Prince of the Royal Secret, &c. Brother Tardy having 
produced his Warrant and other credentials, investigated our 
proceedings, sanctioned and approved of the same, and prom- 
ised his protection, and every assistance in his power, where- 
upon he was pleased to place our Illustrious Brother Richard 
Riker, Thrice Equitable, in the Chair, delivered him the Con- 
stitution, and invested him with all the powers and preroga- 
tives relating to the same, by an instrument under his hand 



136 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

and seal, which was delivered in the presence of our Illustrious 
Brother, Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, John James Joseph 
Gourgas and John Baptist Desdoity, K. H., and Prince of the 
Royal Secret." 

These proceedings were published in the papers the next 
day, and a Committee appointed to apply for a Charter to the 
Supreme Council of Charleston, &c. 

Wiien these proceedings became known, the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory took the matter in hand. They deemed the whole 
transaction " unmasonic and unconstitutional^' At a meeting of 
that body, a Committee was appointed, consisting of Mr. Cer- 
neau and Mr. Mulligan, to request his attendance. They ac- 
cordingly waited upon him, and tendered him the invitation. 

He declined, and makes the following entry in his Diary : 

" November 11th, 1808. This day Mr. Mulligan and a French gentleman 
called on me at the school about 11 o'clock, informed me their visit was a 
Committee from a Council of Princes of Jerusalem, to desire my attendance on 
them, as they were then sitting. 

" I replied, ' I knew no such body of men but the one I had established, and 
in order to prevent any other such body from infringing on the Constitution, 
and the Ancient Landmarks, we had made ourselves public by advertizing in 
the public prints of this city, and would say nothing further on the subject.' 
They asked what reply they should return to their Council. I told them ' it 
was out of my power to wait on them.' " 

We have been thus particular in the introduction of this 
part of the Diary, with the names of the nineteen brethren 
mentioned in the Register, the dates, &c., because these very 
men take a conspicuous place in the history, and it is proper 
that all who are interested should know, from whom and in 
what manner they derived their Masonic knowledge. 

And further, to show that Abraham Jacobs, without any due 
authority from any regularly constituted body of Masons, and 
knowing at the same time, that there was already in existence 
in New York city, and in the full exercise of its Constitutional 
powers, a regular and proper body, where these said Sublime 
degrees were conferred, did, contrary to all Masonic law and 
usage, initiate under his own authority, nineteen brethren, and 
constitute them in a Lodge of Perfection, and Council of 
Princes of Jerusalem. The letter to Charleston, which he pre- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 137 

tends to give a copy of in his Diary, is a mere sham : there 
being no regularly organized Council there, but instead there- 
of, a few of his Jewish brethren, who styled themselves by that 
name. And the visit of John Gabriel Tardy, and John James 
Joseph Gourgas, together with Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, 
does not mend the matter, inasmuch as Tardy was never — up 
to that period---a member of any regularly constituted body, 
but received his degrees and appointment of Deputy Inspector 
General, from one of the travelling gentry ; and Gourgas re- 
ceived his degrees from the notorious Emanuel De La Motta — 
all of whom we shall have occasion soon to speak of more par- 
ticularly. None of these names were ever recorded as regular 
members in any proper body of Sublime Masons, up to the 
year 1813, and neither Tardy, Gourgas or Peixotto, ever were 
members of any Sublime body, except such a body as they have 
constituted themselves into, the head of which was Emanuel 
De La Motta, who was Grand Commander, Grand Secretary 
General, Grand Treasurer General, and all the rest of the 
offices put together. And all the credentials which J. J. J. 
Gourgas ever pretended to have, bore the signature of Eman- 
uel De La Motta alone, the body of all the certificates being 
written by Gourgas himself. 

Jacobs, in his Register, thus goes on : 

" In 1807; Pierre La Barbier Plessis, who was initiated in Philadelphia 
by Augustus Provost, and appointed by him, initiated and made by appoint- 
ment, John Gabriel Tardy, Deputy Inspector General for the State of Penn- 
sylvania. In November, 1808 (subsequently to the organization of the above 
mentioned Council of Princes of Jerusalem,) Abraham Jacobs was made a 
Prince of the Royal Secret by Tardy, and received from him a certificate over 
his own signature." 

From the above short history, it will be seen that Jacobs 
received all his degrees (Sublime) and powers, if he had any, 
from ''individuals'' — with one exceptiou, Jews— who had no 
powers themselves, none of them coming from, or beiug mem- 
bers of, any regularly constituted body. 

Further, that supposing his powers were correct and proper, 
he had no right whatever to exercise them, in the face of a 
regularly constituted authority, any more than an individual 



138 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Master of a Lodge, or Master Mason has the right of makiDg 
any man or any set of men, Masons. In any case, a man, if 
made a Mason, must be so made in a regular body, and properly 
constituted as such. And the same rule applies to the Exalted 
degrees. 

Again, It is evident that this matter must have been a pay- 
ing operation. By the Diary we find that Jacobs conferred the 
degrees upon no less than sixty-four persons at different times, 
up to the year 1808. Subsequently, up to the year 1830, the 
writer knows of one assemblage, consisting of thirty persons, 
and it is generally known that Jacobs made it his business un- 
til a few years before his death, although after the year 1808 
he was obliged to do it in secret, no record being made of his 
transactions. 

We would remark here, that De La Motta, in his malignant 
and virulent attack upon the Sovereign Grand Consistory, 
made by him in 1813, claims, " that there was already in existence 
in 1806, in Jfew York, a Consistory of the Thirtieth, Thirty-first 
and Thirty-second degreed Now if this was true, why was 
Abraham Jacobs, who, according to his own Diary, had not 
received the appointment of Deputy Inspector General, permit- 
ted to exercise those functions ? Why does Jacobs say in his 
Diary '' that the Suhlime degrees were not practiced here? '' And 
why does he send on to Philadelphia for John Gabriel Tardy 
to come on to New York in order to constitute them into a 
Lodge of Perfection, and Council of Princes of Jerusalem ? 
And why does Mr. Gourgas figure in De La Motta's list in 
1806 as a Deputy Inspector General, when at that date he was 
not a Fellow Craft Mason? And John Gabriel Tardy, also, 
who did not receive his degrees and appointments from Pierre 
Le Barbier Plessis until over one year afterwards — viz., 1807 ? 
And why want a Warrant from Charleston if there was a De 
La Motta Consistory there ? 

The author was personally acquainted with Abraham Jacobs 
from the year 1825 to the day of his death. • In 1825 he was 
in very poor circumstances, and for a year or two had been 
in the. employ of Oliver M. Lownds, who was then Sheriff of 
the City and County of New York. He was a son of Thomas 



SCOTTISH EITE OF HEREDOM. 139 

Lownds, was Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, and a mem- 
ber of the Sovereign Grand Consistory. The father, Thomas 
Lownds, was also a member of both bodies. Jacobs was per- 
fectly well acquainted with the existence of the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory, from its very commencement. He stood in 
fear of it after the trouble of 1809, and it was on the strength 
of a pledge given by him to the Messrs. Lownds and others, 
that he would no longer infringe upon the rights of the Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory, that he was aided and assisted by 
brethren, and taken into the employ of Mr. Lownds. In the 
numerous instances in which he afterwards conferred those 
degrees, he made it. a rule to go out of the city to do it. He 
always made it a condition, that the thing must be done at 
least 60 miles away, and if possible, out of the State of New 
York. The party of thirty before last mentioned, went to 
Trenton, New Jersey, to receive tlie degrees from him. 

The history of Jacobs, taken from his own Diary and Regis- 
ter is given, in order to show the commencement and founda- 
tion of the difficulties, and the opposition through which the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory had to pass. The Sublime Coun- 
cil of Princes of Jerusalem was formed in November, 1808, 
and their Consistory was proclaimed March 7th, 1809. It at 
once, became a source of annoyance to the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory, and many spirited communications passed between 
the two bodies. It struggled for a while to build itself up, 
but finally went out of existence before the end of tlie year. 
Many of the members of that body became convinced of their 
irregularity, left it, and made application to be received into 
the bodies under the Sovereign Grand Consistory. Among 
the number was Thomas Lownds, Col. W. T. Hunter and 
others. They were received in a regular manner. The re- 
maining brethren, with Richard Riker and one or two others 
at their head, applied as a body, but their request as such could 
not be complied with. The communications which had passed 
between the bodies, called into exercise all the bitter feelings, 
which deceived and disappointed men are apt to exercise on 
such occasions.. They referred all their difficulties to the 
Charleston body, from which they claimed authority, although 



140 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

none appears to have been granted, and the sequel will show 
how that body treated the matter. 

We have just alluded to a Consistory, said by De La Motta, 
to have been in existence here in 1806. He declares in his 
panaphlet, given in the Appendix, from which we quote : 

" In August, 1806, there were resident in New York, the following Illustri- 
ous brethren, lawful Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, and Inspectors 
Thirty-second degree — viz., John Gabriel Tardy, John Baptist Desdoity, John 
James Joseph Gourgas, Pierre Adrienne Dupeyrat, Lewis Be Saulles. They 
formed and established a Sovereign Grand Consistory of Sublime Princes of 
the Royal Secret, Thirtieth, Thirty-lSrst and Thirty-second degree. On the 3d 
of November, 1808, the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem was lawfully 
opened in this city, by and in the presence of the Thrice Puissant and Most 
Illustrious Brethren, John Gabriel Tardy, John Baptist Desdoity, John James 
Joseph Gourgas, and Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto (Dupeyrat and De Saulles 
do not appear,) aided and assisted by nine ' Knights of the Sun,' and nine 
' Princes of Jerusalem.' (How these Knights of the Sun and Princes of Jeru- 
salem received these honors has been fully set forth.) See Jacobs Diary. 
On the 6th day of November, 1808, a Warrant of Constitution passed the 
Seal of the aforesaid Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, for the establish- 
ment in this city, for a Sublime Grand Lodge of Grand, Elect, Perfect and Sub- 
lime Masons, under the specific appellation of ' Aurora Grata.' " 

The reply to this quotation is found in the Report made to 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory, December 28th, 1813, as fol- 
lows : 

" As to the declaration of a Sovereign Grand Consistory, said to have been 
formed on the 6th of August, 1806, it is only necessary to remark, that those 
who have any knowledge of our degrees, of De La Motta, and of some of the 
persons he names, must allow that it is utterly impossible that those persons 
could have been what he (De La Motta) professes them to be. It is well 
known that that body never pretended to any power, previous to the notice 
of its formation on the 7th of March, 1809, long after the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory was established and its formation publicly announced. So well 
aware were the persons who composed that Consistory, of its defects, and of 
the regularity of this, that after many efforts to sustain it, and much expense, 
borne in no equitable proportion, by many who were deluded to enter into it, 
they suffered it to sink at once into inactivity and oblivion. 

" Some individuals who had assisted in its irregular proceedings, convinced 
of their error, applied for, and received, the degrees depending on this Grand 
Consistory. Others, tenacious of their pride, but convinced of our correctness, 
applied for admission collectively, a proposition obviously inadmissible, which 
was at once rejected, and which could only have proceeded from persons, iguo- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 141 

rant of our laws and institutions, or disposed to sanction the violation of the 
obligations they impose." 

It is proper to explain here, the expression which states, 
" that it was utterly impossible that the before-named persons 
could be what De La Motta said they were in 1806." JoJm 
Gabriel Tardy, as has been before stated, received his degrees 
and was appointed an Inspector, or rather, Deputy Inspector 
General, October 14tli, 1807, by Pierre Le Barbier Plessis, at 
Philadelphia, where Tardy then resided. He received his de- 
grees and appointment at the same time, which is more than a 
year subsequent to the date given — viz., August, 1806. So it 
is most certain that the assertion about Tardy residing in New 
York, and being then a Deputy Inspector General — viz., 
August, 1806, is simply a bare-faced falsehood. [See Doc. 40. 

From a certified copy of the minutes of Lodge L' Union 
Franca is, made for the author some years ago, it appears that 
John James Joseph Gourgas was initiated as an Entered Appren- 
tice Moso7i in that Lodge, June 19th, 1806, passed' the degree 
of Companion or Fellow Craft a few months afterwards, and 
made a Master Mason late in 1807. He withdrew from the 
Lodge in June, 1808, having been in it as a member (three days 
short of) two years. And, so far as known, this is all the con- 
nection that Gourgas had, at any time of his life, witli a Blue 
Lodge. Now it is hardly possible that Gourgas sh.ould have 
been appointed a Deputy Inspector General, Thirtieth, Thirty- 
first and Thirty-second degree before he had been passed to the 
degree of a Fellow Craft. As it was in the former case, so in 
this, the assertion is simply a barefaced falsehood. [See Doc. 40. 
Gourgas having received that honor from De La Motta's own 
hands, and under his signature, two or three years after 1806. 

Tlie others mentioned, all received their degrees in a similar 
manner long after August, 1806. But to proceed with the his- 
tory. 

The disappearance of this body did not put an end to the 
trouble, for many now made their appearance as Deputy In- 
spectors General, who had received the degrees, either from 
Jacobs, or from the body which he constituted, and they, in 
their turn, commenced the assumption of power, which called 



142 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

forth from the Sovereign Glrand Consistory the following cir- 
cular : 

(See Document No. 16, Jlppendix.) 

This decree was issued May 25th, 1812, and required all 
Prince Masons within the jurisdiction, to make themselves 
known to that body, and have their powers acknowledged and 
recorded, denying all communication with those men who had 
crept into the degrees by stealth, or who pretended to confer 
the Sublime degrees in an unlawful manner. A short time 
afterward, in 1813, the acknowledgement was received from 
the Supreme Council of France, which was published in the 
daily papers, an Annuary was also printed, containing the 
names of all the officers, members, and the different bodies 
organized under the Sovereign Grand Consistory, &c., which 
news and documents spread far and wide over the Masonic 
world. It was this news, and these documents, which reached 
De La Motta in Charleston, by the hands of his coadjutors 
here, stirred up all his ire, and brought him on to New York, 
for what purpose we shall presently see. 

Ragon, Orthodox Ma9., page 328, says : 

" The news of the success of Mr. Cerneau reached Charleston, South Caro- 
hna, and the Jews there, apparently jealous of the profits he made by his initia- 
tions, determined to contend with him for the gains. To this effect they sent to 
New York, Emanuel De La Motta, a fit instrument for the work, who imme- 
diately after his arrival, elevated to the Thirty-third degree, John James 
Joseph Gourgas, Sampson Simson, Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto and Richard 
Hiker, and went with them to Joseph Cerneau, in order to interrogate him on the 
origin of his powers. He refused to answer them or give them any satisfac- 
tion, and Emanuel says, that it appeared to the Masons who interrogated him, 
that he was a stranger to the Mysteries. After having made an ample har- 
vest of dollars, and after having constituted on the 5th of August, 1813, a Su- 
preme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, chiefly Jews of New 
York city, which had for its first Grand Commander, Daniel D. Tompkius, 
Yice President of the United States, Emanuel went on his way to propagate, 
in other parts of the Republic, the great mysteries which he claimed to possess, 
proclaiming himself to be the ' Illustrious Grand Treasurer General/ and 
' Grand and Sole Hierophant of the Order in the United States.' " 

De La Motta arrived in New York city in the month of 
May or June, 1813, and what took place on arriving will ap- 
pear on reading his own record of the events. The pamphlet 



SCOTTISH KITE OF HEREDOM. 143 

is now out of print, and cannot be easily obtained. Extracts 
will be here given, but the pamphlet in full is added to the 
Appendix, No. 19. 
He says : 

" In the early part of May, 5813, I arrived here, not on any speculation, 
office-hunting or Masonic errand, but in quest of health. Sometime in July," 
a certain Pamphlet or Tableau, signed, sealed and stamped, was placed in my 
hands, entitled, ' List of the Grand Officers, Members, Honorary Members, ^c, 
of the Supreme Council of Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree, 
regularly established according to the Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite of 
Heredom,for the United States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, 
held in the city of New York. Also the Grand Consistory of Supreme Chiefs 
of Exalted Masonry, and the constitutional bodies of its jurisdiction, Anno Lucis, 
5813. New York: Printed by Hardcastle and Van Pelt, No. 86 Nassau Street, 
1813.' On the very front of which I perceived the name of Mr. Joseph Cer- 
neau, in the glaring character of ' 3Iost Potent Sovereign Grand Commander.' 
Convinced that he must either have been egregiously imposed upon, or, that 
he was imposing on some respectable characters in the community, from 
a number of names which / understood to be very respectable in the city, many 
of them dignified with titles which that degree does not recognize, I was led to 
make some inquiry respecting this Mr. Joseph Cerneau, and his pretensions to 
certain titles ; when I received the following information from well informed 
gentlemen : 

" First, That this Mr. Cerneau had first made his appearance in Longworth's 
Directory for the year 1809, as G. I. G. P. S. G. C, (meaning I suppose) 
Grand Inspector General, Potent Sovereign Grand Commander (of his) Most 
Potent Sovereign Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, Supreme 
Chief of High IMasonry, &c. 

'' Second, By an advertisement in the newspapers, 5th of September, 1811, 
his new created . body is styled, the Grand Consistory of P. P. of Supreme 
Chiefs of Exalted Masonry. 

" Third, In another advertisement, communicated through the vehicle of a 
newspaper, 1st of February, 1812, he caused his said Association to appear 
under the new and improved title of ' Grand Consistory of the United States of 
America, their Territories and Dependencies, of Supreme Chiefs of Exalted 
Masonry, according to the Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite of Heredom, held 
at New York.' " 

After reciting some of Cerneau's impostures, under the 
fourth, fifth and sixth heads, he goes on to say : 

" Maturely considering, and ' calmly perpexdixg,' all the facts connected 
with the procedure of such detestable Masonic infractions, and from the above 
stated circumstances, and a full conviction that Mr. Cerneau was only a pre- 



144 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. ^ 

tender to a degree that lie was not in possession of, and was assuming a title to 
which he had no claim — it became my absolute duty, as a lawful Sovereign 
Grand luspector General of the Thirty-third degree, to detect and denounce any 
imposition practiced on the Masonic world, by any individual. But being un- 
furnished with any Masonic documents, I wrote on to the Council in Charles- 
ton, inclosing them one of Mr. Cerneau's celebrated Tableaux, requesting they 
would send me a' copy of ray Diploma, the original being deposited among 
papers which my family could not conveniently obtain. Having received their 
answer and a Diploma, with strong injunctions to prosecute, and expose to 
view, the unexampled conduct of Mr. Cerneau ; on the 14th of September, 
1813, 1 took with me four respectable brethren of the city — two of them native 
citizens and two foreigners, well versed in the French and English languages, 
who were witnesses to the conversation which took place between Mr. Joseph 
Cerneau and myself, to which I beg leave to refer the reader as follows : 

" Conversation with Mr. Joseph Cerneau, transcribed from the original — 

"Let it be known and remembered, that at the Grand East of New York, 
on the 19th day of the 6th month, called Elul, A. M., 5573 ; of the Restora- 
tion, 2343 ; and of the Christian Era, the 14th day of September, 1813. 

" I, the undersigned, Emanuel De La Motta, Kadosch, Sublime Prince of the 
Royal Secret, Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third degree, 
Illustrious Treasurer General of the Holy Empire in the United States of 
America, &c., &c., being, at my own request, accompanied by the Thrice Puis- 
sant Brethren Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, John James Joseph Gourgas, K. 
H., S. P. R. S., Deputies Inspectors General; Richard Riker and Sampson 
Simson, S. P. R. S., do hereby declare, that I waited on Mr. Joseph Cerneau 
at No. 118 William Street, that I inquired of him if he was a Mr. Joseph 
Cerneau, Past Master, Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander, designated as 
such in this Pamphlet or Tableau, entitled, ' List of the Grand Officers, Mem- 
bers, Honorary Members, &c., of the Supreme Council of Grand Inspectors 
General of the Thirty-third degree regularly established according to the Ancient 
Constitutional Scottish Rite of Heredom, for the United States of America, 
their Territories and Dependencies, held in the city of New York. Also of the 
Grand Consistory of Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry, and the constituted 
bodies of its jurisdiction, Anno Lucis, 5813. New York : Printed by Hard- 
castle and Van Pelt, No. 86 Nassau Street, 1813.' To which he replied in 
the '■affirmative.' I then announced myself in my Official Capacity, shoeing 
him, at the same time, my credentials, stating that I called as a friend and as 
a gentleman, to ascertain whence he derived his powers in establishing a Grand 
Council of the Thirty-third degree in this city, and from whom he had received 
that degree, requesting, at the same time, a sight of his Patent and other 
papers relating thereto. 

" His answer was, ' He could not comply with my request ; that I, Emanuel 
De La Motta, must apply to the Grand Council of the Thirty-third degree in 
this city, of which Mr. Cerneau called himself the head ; that he had made a 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 145 

promise to his aforesaid Grand Council, to answer no questions on that subject, 
but referred me to that body for an answer, although he had no doubt of Mr. 
De La Motta being the character whom he represented himself to be, and 
therefore acknowled^-ed him in his official capacity,' My reply was, * That I, 
Emanuel De La Motta, could not acknowledge any body of Masons unless I 
was satisfied they were legally constituted.' 

" Upon his refusing to admit me to a sight of his credentials, applying to 
him as a gentleman and a friend, I then demanded them of him in my official 
capacity, as an object of right ; and that I should not leave the city of New 
York, until I had made a thorough investigation of the business, which I felt 
myself compelled to do by his refusal, more especially as I was particularly 
requested by the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third at Charleston, South 
Carolina, to investigate his proceedings, and those of what he called his Grand 
Council of the Thirty-third at this city of New York, he still persisting to refer 
me to his Grand Council. I then informed him 1 should leave the city on 
Monday in the ensuing week : that, in the meantime, he might reflect on the 
subject, and gave him my address and place of residence. 

" Given under my hand and Seal, at the Gkand East of New York, under 
the above specified date. Signed on the original, 

, — ' — , E. De La Motta, , — ' — v 

S„ 1 XV.. Jd., S. X. K. b., 1 CI 

EAL. I- I S"^-^^^- 



Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty- 
third degree, and Illustrious Treasurer General 
of the Holy Empire in the United States of 
America. 
Attested by Richard Riker, Sampson Simson, K. H., S. P. R. S., and 
Moses Levy Maduro Peixoito and /. /. /. Gourgas, K. H., S. P. R. S., Deputy 
Inspectors General. 

Extract Continued, 
" Be it known and herewith recorded, that when, on the 14th day of Sep- 
tember, instant, 1813, 1, the undersigned, Emanuel De La Motta, &c., &c., 
accompanied, at my own request, as before specified, called on Mr. Joseph 
Cerneau at No. '118 William Street, the two following circumstances took 
place which I think it highly important to specify particularly, that they may 
be remembered and serve hereafter, as occasion may require : 

" First, That in the presence of the aforesaid Most Illustrious and Puissant 
Brethren, I did ascertain the positive fact; that the said Joseph Cerneau was 
not of the Thirty-third degree, nor did he even appear to have or possess any 
knowle :ge of that degree whatever, or of a certain finger-ring which was shown 
to him, with which he went to the window and returned without comment or 
ceremony, but not until he had taken care to examine it with a great deal of 
attention. 



146 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

" Second, That during the conversation I had with him respecting what he 
called his Grand Council of the Thirty-third degree, he, the said Joseph Cer- 
ueau mentioned positively, that he had been recognized by France. In testimony 
whereof, I, the undersigned, &c., &c., herewith attach my name, at the Grand 
East of New York, on the 26th day of the 6th month, called Elul, A. M., 
5573 ; of the Restoration, 2343 ; and of the Christian Era, the 21st day of 
September, 1813. Signed on the original, 

" — ' — ' E. De La Motta, "" 

i Seal, i K. H., S. P. R. S., J Stamp, i 

Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty- 
third degree, and Illustrious Treasurer General 
of the Holy Empire in the United States of 
America, &c. 
Attest. Richard Riker, K. H., S. P. R. S. ; Sampson Simson, K. H., S. P. 

R. S. ; M. L. M. Peixotto, K. H., S. P. R. S., Deputy Inspector General ; 

•J. J. J. Gourgas, K. H., S. P. R. S., Deputy Inspector General. 

The next day — viz., September 15th, 1813, De La Motta 
waited on the Hon. Dewitt Clinton. The following conversa- 
tion is transcribed : 

" Be it known and remembered, that at the Grand East of New York, on 
the 20th day of the 6th month, called Elul, A. M., 5573 ; of the Restoration, 
2343 ; and of the Christian Era, the 15th day of September, 1813. I, the 
undersigned, Emanuel De La Motta, K. H., S. P. R. S., Sovereign Grand In- 
spector General of the Thirty-third degree, Illustrious Treasurer General of the 
Holy Empire in the United States of America, &c., &;c., do hereby declare, 
that having called on Illustrious Brother Sampson Simson, K. H., S. P. R. 
S., to accompany me to Mr. Dewitt Clinton, we therefore waited on him and 
communicated, that the respect which I entertained of him as a gentleman and 
as Grand Master for the State of New York, had induced me to deviate from 
the line of my duty as an Inspector General, at the same time presenting him 
my credentials, on reading which he appeared to be satisfied as to my official 
character, and on presenting him with a certain Pamphlet or Tableau entitled, 
' List of the Grand Officers, Members, Honorary Members, &., of the Supreme 
Council of Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree, regularly es- 
tablished according to the Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite of Heredom, 
for the United States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, held in 
the city of New York. Also of the Grand Consistory of Supreme Chiefs of 
Exalted Masonry, and the constituted bodies of its jurisdiction, Anno Lucis, 
5813. New York : Printed by Hardcastle and Yan Pelt, No. 86 Nassau 
Street, 1813.' He declared that it was a collusion, and acknowledged he had 
signed the said Pamphlet, together with others, at the special request of Mr. 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 147 

Thomas Lownds, who had brought them to him for that special purpose. I 
asked him if he had seen Mr. Cerneau's Patent, and from whom he had received 
the Thirty-third degree, and had derived his powers for estabhshing a Grand 
Council of the Thirty-third. Mr. Clinton replied that he had never seen any 
of his Patents or papers relating thereto, but had depended on the gentlemen 
that called on him — to wit — Messrs. Martin Hoffman and John W. Mulligan, 
and at their particular request, had some degrees communicated to him by this 
Mr. Cerneau, and observed, he conceived it rather a distinction as Grand Master 
of the State. On my asking if Mr. Cerneau had conferred the Thirty-third 
degree on him, Mr. Clinton replied, it was impossible for him to say, as he did 
not recollect, and had as little knowledge of it as his child : on which I, Eman- 
uel De La Motta, informed Mr. Clinton, that I should be compelled to pub- 
lish Mr. Cerneau as an impostor, as I was convinced he had not the powers 
he had assumed, but through delicacy and respect for him, (Mr. Clinton) that 
I would not take any steps against Joseph Cerneau till he had first seen him 
on the subject ; when Mr. Clinton requested me to suspend any proceedings 
against the said Cerneau until he had seen some gentlemen on the subject. He 
then inquired my place of residence, and on being informed, replied, I should 
hear from him. Given under my hand and Seal, at the Grand East of New 
York, under the above specified date. 

E. De La Motta, .' *~ 




K. H., S. P. R. S., J g^^jjp_ 



Signed on the original, Sovereign Grand Inspector General of 

Witness, the Thirty-third degree, and Illustrious 

Sampson Simson, Treasurer General of the Holy Em- 

K. H., S. P. R. S. pire, in the United States of America, 

&c., &c. 

We have here given a statement in the words of De La Mot- 
ta himself, in order to avoid the imputation of partial dealing. 
But it must not be supposed that we believe all that De La 
Motta has set down. On the contrary, we know that much of 
it is false, and shall give the evidence on which that knowledge 
is based. To begin — 

Mr. De La Motta would lead his reader to believe, that he 
knew nothing about Mr. Cerneau and his Grand Society until 
he came on to New York in 1813, when he learned the fact by 
the exhibition of Tableaux, &c. But it is certainly a fact which 
cannot be disproved, that the Grand Consistory forwarded to 
the Supreme Council of Charleston, of which De La Motta 
professed to be a member, on two different occasions, long be- 



148 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

fore the year 1813, copies of Patents, Warrants, Tableaux, &c,, 
giving them full notice of formation, list of Officers, Members, 
&c. They received these documents on both occasions, and 
De La Motta knew it to be so, for he was there at the time 
named. That body never took any notice of the communica- 
tions sent. Read a portion of the Report of the Grand Con- 
sistory on this point. They say : 

" Having heard that a Council had existed at Charleston, South Carolina, 
which might yet be in activity, a circular, with copies of the Patent or War- 
rant, and a list of the members was also transmitted thither, and delivered to 
the person whose name appears as Grand Commander, (John Mitchell) to the 
act approving De La Motta's denunciation. No answer being received, 
another was despatched, but with no better success. Your Committee here 
will just remark, that if the Council at Charleston was a regular body, and 
deemed us usurpers, it was their duty to take instant and effectual measures to 
arrest our progress. If we were regular, Masonic courtesy, as well as their 
obligation, required them to acknowledge us without delay. They have done 
neither. 

*' This profound silence and neglect was, of itself, sufficient to satisfy the 
Grand Consistory, that the body at Charleston, if it ever had a lawful exis- 
tence, was extinct." 

Emanuel, in his replication, when noticing this portion of 
the report, undertakes to give directions as it regards the 
course of conduct Cerneau should have pursued. He does not 
directly notice the fact, but at the close, under the simile of a 
Master Mason doing certain illegal acts, &c, he says^ com- 
paring the Master Mason with Cerneau : 

" We must be recognized or acknowledged. It is requisite we send copies 
of what we shall deem sufficient of our proceedings, &c. The Grand body 
(Supreme Council of Charleston) under whose jurisdiction he (Cerneau) is 
placed, discovering the absurdity of their whole business, &c.,/or the presentf 
and for good reasons, takes no notice of it" 

So then, they did receive the copies of the Patent or War- 
rant, with list of members, <fec., " hut for the present, and for 
good reasons, take no particular notice of it." He goes on to 
say : 

" This emboldens this worthy Mason and his coadjutors to progress: some- 
time after, he and his party declare that very Grand Body, under whose juris- 
diction he is situated, as being extinct, (meaning the Charleston Council,) and 
all its further acts as insignificant and invalid. And why ? Because he and 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. , 149 

his advocates conceive themselves respectable, and sufficiently strong to make 
such a declaration, and because they were not at the time honored with, an 
answer." 

See Replication in the Appendix. 

How does this statement of De La Motta agree with the ac- 
count he gives of his ignorance until he came on to New York 
in quest of health, &c. The simple truth appears to be that 
he, De La Motta, was very well informed of the proceedings 
of the Grand Consistory in New York long before he left 
Charleston ; that this business was the sole object of his jour- 
ney ; and that the account which Ragon has given of De La 
Motta and his movements is correct. 

His pretended ignorance of Cerneau — all that he says about 
Cerneau's name first appearing in " Longworth^s Directory " in 
the year 1809 may be true, but this is a very different thing 
from his " actual residence " in this city. There was, at that 
time, a large number of people residing in the city, whose 
names were not in Longworth's Directory. Besides, ^iraAam 
Jacobs did reside in the city at that time, and several years be- 
fore that time. He was in correspondence with De La Motta 
constantly, had informed him of his proceedings in establishing 
a Lodge of Perfection in November, 1808, and the proceedings 
had by Mr. Mulligan and the " French gentleman " (Cerneau) 
November 11th, 1808. (See Jacobs Diary.) De La Motta 
knew that Cerneau was a resident of New York city as early 
as 1806, and had established the Rose Croix Chapter " Triple 
Jlmitie,^^ which afterwards became " Triple Alliance,^^ of which 
he gives a partial account. 

In the conversation had with Cerneau, in the presence of 
his witnesses, there does not appear to be anything extraor- 
dinary, or that would naturally lead to the inference which De 
' La Motta claims. It would seem, from a careful examination 
of the relation which De La Motta has given, that after a great 
deal of blustering, De La Motta asked of him, from whom he 
had received the Thirty-third degree ; also to look at his 
Patent, and requested information concerning his powers in 
establishing a Grand Council of the Thirty-third degree in 
New York City. Cerneau replied, that he could not answer 



150 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

his questions, inasmuch as he had given a pledge to the Su- 
preme Council, that he would answer no questions on that sub- 
ject, but referred De La Motta to the Council for an answer, 
in accordance with said pledge. Whereupon De La Motta 
becomes the " 6w%," and demands both the documents and the 
answers from Cerneau, accompanying the same with intimida- 
ting threats, &c. 

Now, we feel convinced in our own minds, that Cerneau 
acted justly in this encounter, and precisely as we would have 
acted if we had occupied the position of Cerneau. The least 
that can be said of it is, that on De La Motta's part, it was a 
very impudent and arrogant act, and one, that under ordinary 
circumstances, would have entitled him to a forcible ejection 
from the premises. And the polite forbearance on Cerneau's 
part entitles him to all praise. Yet, because Cerneau thus 
acted, De La Motta would lead others to suppose that Cerneau 
had no authority whatever, or any documents to exhibit. The 
true state of the case, however, when known, appears to be 
quite the reverse of De La Motta's conclusions. We have just 
proved, even by his own statements, that he had seen and 
perused these very documents in Charleston, some years before 
1813, in which year he visited New York. Eead a portion of 
the Report of the Committee of the Grand Consistory on this 
conversation. They say : 

"Before your Committee dismiss this disgusting mass of absurdity and 
wickedness, which certainly discovers no characteristic of the Christian moral- 
ity of our Order, they beg leave to draw the attention of the Consistory to the 
insinuation contained in the words " having received no satisfaction, &c.," 
which leave it to be inferred that our Sovereign Grand Commander was 
hound to give such satisfaction. De La Motta has not pretended to allege 
that any regular application (which ought to have preceded an accusation for 
neglect or refusal,) was made to Brother Cerneau. But the multiplied abuses 
existing in this country, by means of persons falsely pretending to possess the 
Exalted degrees, early attracted the notice of the Grand Consistory, and, con- 
nected with various insidious attempts to take advantage of the deficiency of 
our Sovereign Grand Commander in the English language, and of the unsus- 
picious confidence of his character, produced a determination to have all ap- 
plications referred to the Grand Consistory. Of this De La Motta was ap- 
prised. He was told, if he wished to inspect our documents, he should, by apply- 
ing to the Grand Consistory, have all the satisfaction he required, provided he 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEEEDOM. 151 

proved his right to it. Had he pursued this course, his conduct would have 
been conformable to that of a person clothed with lawful powers. This 
refusal indicates, that he was not willing to examine too closely into our pow- 
ers, nor to submit his claims to that investigation which the Consistory might 
deem it their duty to make." 

Here the reasons are fully given for insistiDg upon the 
pledge given by Cerneau to the Grand Consistory, and when 
it is known that De La Motta was waited upon, and assured 
that " if he would apply to the Grand Consistory, he should 
have all the satisfaction he required, provided he could prove 
that he was entitled to it " — it will place the whole matter in 
quite another form than that which De La Motta has given it. 

Again, The supplement to the conversation added in the 
second document, contains two assertions, as follows : 

First, That he, De La Motta, did ascertain the positive fact, 
that the said Joseph Cerneau was not of the Thirty- third de- 
gree, nor did he even appear to possess any knowledge of it 
whatever, and 

Second, That he, Cerneau, mentioned positively that the 
Grand Consistory had been recognized by the Supreme Coun- 
cil of France. 

In the first assertion, De La Motta decidedly went too far. 
Perhaps it would have been more proper for him to have said, 
that Cerneau did not do or say, any thing which would prove 
to him that he was in possession of the Thirty-third degree. 
Whether Cerneau chose to make himself known to De La 
Motta or not, is a matter of very little consequence. It is 
certain that he did not make himself known. Nor was he 
bound in any way to act any differently. But when he says 
that because Cerneau did not make himself known, therefore he 
ascertained the positive fact, that he had not the degree, nor 
did he know any thing about it, he was clearly guilty of a wil- 
ful falsehood. This will be proved by making known the 
standing fact, that all wiio have been exalted to that degree 
by Cerneau or his " aiders or abettors," from the year 1807 up 
to the present time, 1862, have been received and acknow- 
ledged as such, whether it be in Europe, the West India 
Islands, Brazil or South America. The Marquis De Lafayette, 
Count St. Laurent, Seth Driggs, John W. Mulligan, Joel R. 



152 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Poinsett, Joseph Gouin, Leblanc De Margonnay, and a great 
number of others, whose names could be mentioned, have all 
been received fraternally, and honored in that capacity. This, 
to our minds, is clear and conclusive proof, that Cerneau did 
really and truly have the Thirty-third degree. 

In the second assertion — viz., that the Grand Consistory 
had been acknowledged by the Supreme Council of France, 
Cerneau told De La Motta the simple truth. So there is no 
more to be said about that, except that if the reader will take 
the trouble to turn to the Appendix, Document No. 12, he will 
find the acknowledgement recorded in the Acts of the Supreme 
Council of France. 

The conversation with Hon. Dewitt Clinton, after the inter- 
view with Cenreau, has been used freely by these gentlemen to 
prove that Mr. Clinton knew nothing about the degrees ; and 
that after having received them from Cerneau, he changed his 
mind, and would have nothing to do with them. But this is 
another falsehood. If Mr. Clinton was of the opinion which 
they state, he had ample opportunity to make it known. It is 
interesting then for us to know, at this late day, what course 
Mr. Clinton pursued in the premises. One thing is certain, he 
did not leave or forsake the Order. On the contrary, he be- 
came devotedly attached to it, was a very active member, and 
continued in its service up to the day of his death, (February, 
1828,) a period of fifteen years after this conversation. One 
of the last acts of his life, was the signing of a Patent of the 
Thirtj^-third for a brother, which happened four days before 
his death. 

So much for De La Motta's own version of his visit to New 
York, and what happened to him there. We will now pro- 
ceed \ni\i the remainder of De La Motta's work. Disappoint- 
ed and chagrined at his reception by those, whom he expected 
to trample under his feet — wounded to the " quick " because 
his powers were called in question, he at once, penned an edict 
over his own signature, as K. H., S. P. P. S., Sovereign 
Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third degree, and Illus- 
trious Treasurer General of the Holy Empire in the United 
States of America, &c., <fec., expelling Joseph Cerneau and his 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. I53 

" abettors and followers" from every Masonic asylum on the 
surface of the two hemispheres. (Appendix, Document 17.) 

It is, perhaps, unnecessary to say, that the appearance of 
this edict excited some surprise, inasmuch as besides Joseph 
Cerneau, Hon. Dewitt Clinton, John W. Mulligan, Martin 
Hoffman, Cadwallader D. Golden, Elias Hicks and Elisha W. 
King, all active Officers of the Grand Lodge of the State of 
New York, there were a very large number of brethren, active 
members of the fraternity, among whom were some of the 
most wealthy and respectable merchants of the city. 

This, it will be conceded, was a considerable exploit on the 
part of De La Motta. When the question was asked. Who is 
this royal personage ? the reply made the surprise amount to 
astonishment. For it was ascertained that De La Motta, was 
an Israelite, a native of St. Croix, that in his wanderings 
about the earth, he had at last settled down in Charleston, 
where he had met with some of his brethren, who conferred 
upon him, as the legitimate successors of Stephen Morin, the 
Sublime degrees, and finally in the month of February, 1802, 
John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho together, made him a 
Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third degree, 
and Illustrious Treasurer General of the Holy Empire in the 
United States of America, &c., &c. 

This appointment and high sounding title completely turned 
his brain, and he began then to conceive the idea that he was 
the Grand Hierophant of all Masonic bodies in the world. 
Perhaps he was excusable in some degree for these notions 
which he entertained. The Secret Constitutions, on which 
the order was based, gave him these powers as a Sovereign 
Grand Inspector General, and without stopping to examine 
who made those Constitutions, or from whence they came, he 
received all the doctrines which they promulgated, and acted 
in accordance with them. 

He did not stop to inquire, who made John Mitchell a Sove- 
reign Grand Inspector General, or where he obtained his 
powers. Although John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho had 
declared the Council an established body, he forgot to inquire 
whether any other Masonic body in the world, out of South 



154 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Carolina, had acknowledged it as such. If he had made this 
inquiry he would have been the wiser for it. But the honors 
which had been heaped upon him, made him delirious with 
joy. In this state of self-contentment he might have con- 
tinued, had not the arrival of documents from New York dis- 
turbed him. He felt that he could never submit, and having 
made all, necessary preparations, he came on at once to that 
city to '^stop, crush and publish all such characters." 

We again refer to the Report of the Committee, to show the 
opinion which they entertained of this famous document. They 
say: 

" Had it been only communicated to those who, regularly clothed with the 
Exalted degrees, were furnished with the means to detect its absurdity, the 
dignity of the Grand Consistory would have been properly vindicated, in con- 
signing it without notice to merited contempt. But the means which have 
been used to disseminate it, will not permit the Grand Consistory to be pas- 
sive, nor to withhold from the Masonic world the proof that it is but a 
malicious calumny, in every respect anti-Masonic, and published with no other 
view than the gratification of private malice. 

" To this effect your Committee submit their reflections on this extraordi- 
nary proceeding, on the degrees and powers arrogated by E. De La Motta, a 
native of St. Croix, in the West Indies, and on the authority of his two chiefs, 
pretending to act in the name of a Supreme Council at Charleston. 

" From these it will appear to what extent De La Motta has relied on the 
want of information, and on the credulity of those to whom his missive has 
been sent. 

" It purports to be the act of an individual, in virtue of his own powers ; 
yet affecting to proceed at the special request of a collective body to which he 
belongs, and must be either his act or theirs. If his own, in virtue of exclu- 
sive authority in him, there could be no necessity, or even propriety, in using 
the name of the body. If its previous sanction were requisite, why is not that 
act promulgated with the regular attestations in support of its authenticity? 
Wherever a derivative authority is claimed, it can never be allowed unless ac- 
companied by a constituent act in its perfect form. But an approbatory de- 
cree is subjoined — of whom ? Of the body ? No. Two other representa- 
tives, without credentials, start up to approve, in the name of a Council, the 
proceedings of De La Motta ; and so barren is it of members, that it cannot 
supply a Chancellor or Secretary, or Keeper of the Seals, to attest an impor- 
tant document, directed to all the Masonic bodies of the universe. The reason 
must be obvious. It appears from the very instruments, no such Council ever 
made such request. No such Council in fact exists." 

(Appendix, Document No. 18.) 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 155 

This decree of expulsion promulgated in December, 1813, 
was received by the Grand Consistory, and replied to during 
the same month, as the Report of the Committee will show, but 
owing to some delay on De La Motta's part, arising from dis- 
satisfaction among the members of Jiis Council, it was not sent 
forth officially until February, 1814, at which time it was not 
sent forth by the Council there, as an official decree, but as an 
individual affair by De La Motta over his own signature, ap- 
proved of by the other members. We have before remarked 
that it was circulated extensively, but met with a very cold 
reception from every Masonic body in the land. Not a single 
body gave it even a. passing notice, so thorough was the con- 
tempt entertained by them all, for De La Motta and the Coun- 
cil which he pretended to represent. In fact, that body, if such 
it could be called, had dwindled down to five members, and 
shortly after " fell asleep.'' It was not roused again until four 
or five years afterwards, from causes which we shall notice in 
their proper place. 

This " memorable document,''^ with the " Reply hy the Grand 
Consistory^' added to which is " De La Motto's Replication " (a 
rare document, occupying nearly fifty pages,) published about 
one year afterwards, we have given in full in the Appendix. 
We have also added such notes as seemed to be required, in 
order to correct " positive mistakes," and as they are copious, 
we shall not repeat them here, but refer the reader to them in 
the Appendix, and recommend a careful perusal. (See Docu- 
ment No. 19.) 

There are two or three points in De La Motta's communica- 
tions which, although they have been mentioned before, we 
would repeat for the benefit of the reader — 

Firsts The fact, that the Charleston body, De La Motta 
being its representative, did not lay any claim up to this time, 
1814, to the degrees of " Knight of St. Andrew^^ and " Grand 
Inquisitor Judge Comma?ider" in number the twenty-ninth and 
thirty-first of the system, and in all places in his communica- 
tions, where he speaks of the Consistory, he mentions it as the 
Consistory of the Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second de- 
gree. By referring to the Schedule of the Charleston Council, 



156 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

it will there be seen that they have made three degrees out of 
the Prince of the Koyal Secret — viz., the Thirtieth, Thirty- 
first and Thirty-second, making no mention whatever of the 
two degrees above referred to. It is therefore clear, that they 
had no knowledge of them at that time. They also continued 
the Kadosch as the Twenty-ninth. 

The Secret Institutes and Constitution, upon which they 
claim that their new rite is founded, demands, in so many 
words, that the Knight of St. Andrew shall be the Twenty- 
ninth, Kadosch the Thirtieth, and Sovereign Judge Comman- 
der the Thirty-first, in the system, and the law regarding them 
cannot be changed. This will, perhaps, prove to some at 
least, that the Charleston people did not at this time even, 
ISl-I, possess the Secret Constitutions. Or, if they did, they 
either could not read them, or else they paid but little atten- 
tion to them. 

Second^ According to their own statements, Cerneau estab- 
lished, first the '^ Rite of Perfection,^' Siud so published to the 
world. Again, in 1809, the published name of the Rite in the 
New York Directory was " The Sovereign Grand Council of 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret.^' Again, on the 5th of 
September, 1811, advertized in the daily papers as " The Sove- 
reign Grand Council for the United States of America, of Supreme 
Chiefs of Exalted Masonry J' Again, February 1st, 1812, " The 
Sovereign Grand Consistory of the United States of America, their 
Territories and Dependencies, of Supreme CJiiefs of Exalted Mason- 
ry, according to the Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite cf Here- 
dom." And last, in the spring of 1813, after the recognition and 
other documents had been received from the Supreme Council 
of France, the Tableau was published by Cerneau, of which De 
La Motta so loudly complains. In that Tableau the name of 
" Supreme Council of Grand Inspectors General, Thirty -third de- 
gree " is first borne. But at the same time, it is declared offi- 
cially, as has been before stated, that the Grand Consistory is 
vested with the sole power of administration and legislation, 
including that of granting Constitutions, &c.; and that the 
Thirty-third degree is a dignity, conferred as the reward of 
merit, and is not invested with any arbitrary or irresponsible 



SCOTTISH KITE OF HEREDOM. 157 

power whatever. By an examination of all the documents is- 
sued by the Council, whether Tableaux, Decrees, Patents, War- 
rants, &c., it will be found that the name of " The Most Potent 
Sovereign Grand Consistory of Supreme Chiefs of Exalted 
Masonry, according to the Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite 
of Heredom" was continued up to the end of the time — viz., 
1827. A largo number are given in the Appendix, to which 
the reader is referred. 

Third, It is frequently repeated, and reference made to it by 
De La Motta, that a Grand Consistory of Sublime Princes of 
the Royal Secret, Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second de- 
gree, was established by their party in New York city in 1806, 
at the same time giving the names of those persons whom they 
claim to have composed it. This assertion has been fully proved 
to be false, and the reasons given why it should thus be denied. 

Fourth, They claim to be the only lawful body of the kind 
in the United States of America, and also, that they were 
recognized and acknowledged, all over the world. It will be 
recollected that the rite, as they say, was entirely a new one in 
1802. They then assumed the name of " The Ancient and Ac- 
cepted Scottish Rite in thirty-three degrees.'^ Thus, then, there 
were no other bodies of the kind in existence. Between 1802 
and 1813, a period of eleven years, it would scarcely spread 
so rapidly as to cover " the whole world." The Supreme 
Council of France was establislied by De Grasse in 1804 ; the 
Supreme Council at Milan in 1805 ; and the Supreme Council 
at Naples in 1809. Besides these bodies, there were no more 
of the kind — (of course we do not now speak of the Grand 
Orient of France and her Supreme Council and Dependencies, 
that is another matter.) As it regards the Supreme Council 
which they claim at St. Domingo, according to the Report to 
the Grand Orient, as well as many French authors, that body 
was a mere myth — it never had an existence, except in the 
imagination. Therefore, with the exception of the above 
bodies, there was no organization or system, like it in the 
whole world. How then could it be recognized over the whole 
world ? It never was recognized, even by the Supreme Coun- 
cil of France, until the month of December, 1813. All other 



158 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

bodies were antagonistic to it, especially so when the York 
Rite was the established system ; and even in France, where 
all systems are tolerated, treated with the most marked 
neglect. Would it not be well to inquire where all those 
" Masonic Asylums " were situated, or to be found, over the 
habitable globe, from which De La Motta expelled Cerneau 
with his abettors and followers ? And in what direction De 
La Motta would go, in order to carry out his often-repeated 
threat — viz., that he would pursue poor Cerneau, with his 
abettors and followers, wherever a Masonic body was estab- 
lished over the earth ? He was not recognized any where, 
except in South Carolina ; his friends were few, even there, and 
at any point out of that State, his power of inflicting injury 
was small, as the result of his defamatory and libellous docu- 
ments have clearly proved. 

We will again proceed with the history. This controversy, 
which had been commenced by De La Motta, was kept up by 
him for many years afterwards, as the sequel will show, both 
in the city of New York, and also in Charleston, South Caro- 
lina, by means of circulars, and through the public papers. 
Failing altogether in consummating the purpose which brought 
him from Charleston to New York, he, in the month of Janu- 
ary, 1815, established a rival Supreme Council in the city of 
New York, thus dividing the jurisdiction. Hitherto the 
Charleston body had claimed jurisdiction over the United 
States — now it was to be a Northern and Southern jurisdiction. 
The article in the Secret Constitution concerning the jurisdic- 
tion of Supreme Councils, declared, that there should be but 
one Council for each nation. But when this difficulty present- 
ed itself, it was necessary to accommodate the Constitution to 
their acts, and so they altered it. De La Motta formed his 
new Council as follows : 

Daniel D. Tompkins, Vice-President of the United 
States, Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander, 

Sampson Simson, Lieutenant Grand Commander, 

John Gabriel Tardy, 

John James Joseph Gourgas, 

Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, Richard Riker. 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 159 

Other authors have made Richard Riker, Lieutenant Grand 
Commander instead of Simson, and established the Council 
on the 5th of August, 1813. They state that De La Motta 
made these gentlemen Thirty-thirds, that he might take them 
with him as witnesses to the intended conversations with Cer- 
neau. And further, these very men whom he took with him' 
On the 14th day of September, 1813, have testified that Cer- 
neau knew nothing about the Thirty-third degree, &c. Now, 
how is it possible that they could have testified in this way, if 
they had not received the degree themselves, thus being made 
capable judges ? Ragon's statement — viz., August 5th, 1813, 
on this account, appears to be the most reliable. The first 
statement comes from Brother Pike. Ragon also gives the 
Council a larger number of members than that of Pike. It is, 
however, a matter of very little consequence, as the Council 
existed but a very short time. It died a natural death. 

The following were some of the reasons which brought this 
body to an end. De La Motta, in his Replication, set up the 
claim that the Supreme Council exercised jurisdiction over the 
Symbolic degrees, notwithstanding the existence of Grand 
Lodges, &c. He says : 

" Although Sublime Masons have not, in this country, initiated into the 
Blueor Symbolic degrees, yet their Councils possess the indefensible right of 
granting Warrants for that purpose. It is common on the continent of 
Europe, and may be the case here, should circumstances render the exercise of iliat 
power necessary. The legality of this " right " is derived from the highest 
Masonic authority in the world (however ready Mr. Cerneau and his gentle- 
men have been, to relinquish it at once and in toto, which is another strong 
corroborative proof of their irregularity, or else they could never, lawfully, 
alienate their rights as Sublime Masons,) as can be perfectly demonstrated to 
the satisfaction of every Masonic, Judicial or Legislative body. 

" Throughout the continent of Europe, England, Ireland and the West In- 
dies, every Sublime Mason is recognized as a lawful Past Master. In England, 
and many of the States of America, the Grand Officers must be Royal Arch 
Masons. In Dublin the Grand Master must be a Prince of Jerusalem. The 
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree have not, as 
yet, insisted on it in this country, merely because these degrees are here but 
little known, and less understood. Also, because they wished to have no inter- 
ference with the Symbolic degrees. But they are at the same time fully con- 
vinced, that the Sublime Masons are as lawfully made Past Masters, under as 



160 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

regular and authentic Warrants and Constitutions, as His Royal Highness, the 
Prince Regent, who is Grand Master of England," 

This doctrine, proclaimed by the founder of the Council, was 
being acted upon by this new body, and called forth all the 
energies of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York to 
suppress it. The Sovereign Grand Consistory of Cerneau had 
already renounced their right over the Symbolic or Blue de- 
grees, and the Grand Lodge of the State was in harmony with 
that body. And the very decided measures which those two 
bodies made use of, towards the De La Motta Council, com- 
pletely overturned it, as far as initiations of city members were 
concerned, although it kept up a nominal existence for a time, 
by the initiation of strangers. This at last ceased, and the 
body was brought to an end. 

Ragon gives the following account : 

'' The news of Cerneau 's success reached Charleston, South Carolina, and 
apparently jealous of the profits he made by his initiations, the Jews of the 
De La Motta Council of Charleston, determined to contend with him for 
the gains. To this effect, they sent to New York, Emanuel De La Motta, 
Viho, immediately after his arrival, elevated to the Thirty-third degree, several 
brothers, and went with them to Joseph Cerneau, in order to interrogate him 
on the origin of his powers. He refuses to answer them, or give them any 
satisfaction, and it appeared to the Masons who interrogated him (so says Eman- 
uel,) that he was a stranger to the mysteries. After having made an ample 
harvest of dollars, and after having constituted on the 5th of August, 1813, a 
Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, chiefly Jews in New 
York city, which had for its first Grand Commander, Daniel D. Tompkins, 
Vice-President of the United States ; Emanuel went on his way to propagate 
in other parts of the republic, the great mysteries which he claimed to possess, 
proclaiming himself to be the Illustrious Grand Treasurer, and Grand and 
Sole Hierophant of the Order in the United States. 

" The Jews who had been initiated by De La Motta, for the purpose of 
founding and establishing a new Supreme Council in N"ew York city, were 
also traffickers in Masonry, more adroit and less selfish than Mr. Cerneau. 
Among them were some honorable and honest persons, not Jews, whose names 
served that body as a recommendation and a cloak, and under the shelter of 
these names, they reserved for their own profit, all the receptions, diplomas, 
Patents, and other monies received by that body, and the amount was by no 
means small. And in order to avoid rendering an account of the same, they 
convoked their Supreme Council but very seldom, only when they could not 
avoid it, and very irregularly. And at such meetings of their Council few 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. IQI 

and far between— instead of rendering accounts, explanations, &c., they man- 
aged always to have receptions, initiations, &c., and designedly prolonged the 
ceremonies, addresses, &c., that the whole session should be occupied in cere- 
monies, and no time or opportunity be given for transacting the more impor- 
tant business of the Council, its money matters, &c. 

They published, at different times, edicts against Cerneau, accusing him of 
abusing the confidence of Masons, by conferring a false Scottish Rite. They 
also charged Cerneau with peculation, while in their own body, they were 
pocketing the money as fast as it came in, and deceiving the honest and honor- 
able members of their own body, whom they were leading by the nose. The 
last manifesto which they published was in 1817, which led to a rupture in 
their own body, and. the honest members kicked the Jews out. But the 
sequel showed, that the Jews who were kicked out, were the main sprin*'-, and 
very support of the Council, that as long as they were in the body, members 
were made, and its existence was strengthened. The Jews made money by the 
operation, which alone was quite sufficient to inspire them with great zeal, 
and when they were kicked out, the Council died. That Supreme Council 
existed no more." 

It will thus be seen, that this Council, established in August, 
1813, existed about five years, although the operations of the 
body for the last three years of its existence, was directed to 
the initiation of strangers and foreigners. The evidence was 
so stroDg against its authenticity and regularity, that it may- 
be said with truth, that it never went into operation except 
to cajole a few strangers, and to take their money. As Mr. 
Tompkins was never at its meetings, and had but very little to 
do with its transactions, and as Mr. Riker was alone in the 
body, the whole proceedings were in the hands of Abraham 
Jacobs, Gourgas & Co., Avho made all the money they could. 

The decided measures made use of in 1814, by the Grand 
Lodge of the State of New York, completely paralyzed the 
pretended Council, but De La Motta never gave up his at- 
tempts to carry out his threats made to Cerneau. Although 
the Charleston body was lacking in numbers, yet De La Motta 
was strong, in his own opinion, and controlled the few mem- 
bers to suit himself. Under their pretended patronage and 
approbation, he continued the issue of his scurrilous produc- 
tions at various intervals, both in New York city and at 
Charleston until the year 1822, when the whole matter, on his 



162 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

part, ceased, at least as far as the Grand Consistory in New 
York was concerned. 

Before leaving this part of the subject, we would offer a 
passing remark upon, a part of the " Replication,^^ which touches 
upon the powers and prerogatives of a Sovereign Grand In- 
spector General, which runs thus : 

" In making such advancement, are they uninformed, that a Supreme Council 
of the Thirty-third, once constitutionally established, while a single member 
remains, is considered in existence, or that a lawful Sovereign Grand Inspec- 
tor General of the Thirty-third, once appointed, is so for life, unless an im- 
proper act, or acts of his, should vitiate his powers, which, in such a case, the 
withdrawing of his Patents would be the consequence attending his conduct, 
and the same made known to the fraternity." 

This is the doctrine of their rite, and although the number 
of their members had dwindled down to five, yet there were five 
members. But if none were left but De La Motta, it would 
have been all the same. His actions while in New York, clear- 
ly demonstrated that he considered himself the Council, de 
facto, and he took upon himself the responsibility. Else how 
can we account for the style in which he headed all his conver- 
sations, edicts and communications. They are all worded, 
" From the ' Grand East ' of New York, &c., &c." He must 
either have considered himself " the Grand East '' wherever he 
might be, as a Sovereign Graud Inspector General of the Thir- 
ty-third degree, and Illustrious Treasurer General of the Holy 
Empire in the United States of America, or else it is proof 
positive, that he had, by virtue of the powers which he con- 
ceived himself to be possessed of, established an East in New 
York, by elevating certain brethren to the Thirty-third degree, 
and constituting them a Supreme Council, according to the 
statement of Ragon and others. We are disposed to believe 
the statement of Ragon, but it may be wrong, nevertheless. 

But further. Although De La Motta's Supreme Council con- 
tinued but a short time after its establishment, in active opera- 
tion, the individual members of it (we mean those that were 
left after it became inactive,) all acted upon this principle. At 
last there was but one left. He kept up the appearance of a 
Council, by communications over his own signature as Secre- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 163 

tary General, written in his private dwelling, and addressed 
to Foreign Masonic bodies, from year to year, thus leading 
them to the belief that the Council was still in active opera- 
tion, up to the year 1827, in November of which year, the 
Grand Consistory came to a close, in common with all the 
Masonic bodies in the land. Taking advantage ol this circum- 
stance, this honest man performed an exploit which we shall 
take occasion to speak of in its proper place. 

The opposition which De La Motta had made to the Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory in New York, after it had received 
the sanction and acknowledgement, of the Supreme Council of 
France, had the effect of arousing inquiry among Masons. 
They took up the subject deliberately : they examined into the 
pretensions of both parties, and the result of their deliberations, 
as might have been expected, were in favor of the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory. They saw, on the one hand, De La Motta? 
an obscure adventurer, full of arrogance and foolish preten- 
sions, without the color or shadow of authority from any regu- 
lar or well organized body of Masons, laying claim to powers 
and prerogatives, perfectly absurd and unheard of by the fra- 
ternity. They saw his associates whom he had gathered around 
him, and knew them to be of the same school of pretenders. 
On the other hand, they saw Joseph Cerneau, a poor man, a 
jeweller by profession — from which he made his living — pro- 
fessing to be in possession of the Exalted degrees, and vested 
with power to confer them ; he gathered around him reputable 
and respectable men, such as had the confidence of the Masonic 
community ; men who were high in office in the Grand Lodge, 
Grand Chapter, and other bodies ; also occupying the highest 
offices in City and State ; and having obtained the required 
number, he placed in their hands all that he was possessed of, 
in order that it might be preserved, and be honorably and 
honestly transmitted to posterity in a regular and lawful way. 
Not satisfied with having accomplished this, he transmitted an 
account of his proceedings to the Supreme Council, and Grand 
Orient of France, requesting their approval and acknowledge- 
ment. In 1812 the acknowledgement of the former arrived. 
The latter in 1816 — thus placing the Grand Consistory on a 



164 SCOITISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

sure basis. And having done this he gave up all into their 
hands. They saw the respectability of the bodies established 
by the Consistory in the various States of the Union, as well 
as in the city of New York, and they knew that the members 
of the various bodies were fully acknowledged wherever they 
sojourned, either in Europe or America. With all this evi- 
dence before them, notwithstanding the heavy fire of scurril- 
ous abuse kept up by De La Motta they gave in their adhesion 
to the Sovereign Grand Consistory, and from a small body, it 
became, in a very short time, a very large one — very influential 
— not of pretended Monarchs and Sovereigns, but sensible men 
and Masons, willing to impart to the worthy what they had 
received in a lawful manner, and to conduct themselves as up- 
right Masons should, under the circumstances in which they 
were placed. 

On the 30th of November, 1816, the Sovereign Grand Con- 
sistory issued the Edict which may be found in the Appendix 
(No. 20, page 2.) 

And in 1818, a complete edition of the list of the Grand 
Officers, Members, &c., of the Supreme Council and Sovereign 
Grand Consistory again appeared. It is to be found in the 
Appendix, No. 20. 



CHAPTER SIXTH. 

FURTHER PROGRESS OF THE ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONAL 
SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 

Establisliment of a Consistory in Rhode Island, 1813. — Also a Consistory in 
Louisiana, 1813. — Concordat entered into between the Grand Lodge and 
Grand Consistory of Louisiana in 1833. — Establishment of a Consistory in 

the city of Charleston, South Carolina Joseph McCosh P. Javain. — 

The Controversy. — Establishment of a Consistory in Pennsylvania. — List 
of Deputy Inspectors General. — Also a List of Representatives. 

Let us now return to the proceedings of the Consistory. As 
early as the year 1812, a correspondence was commenced with 
Mr. Cerneau, by some Royal Arch Masons of Rhode Island, 
(Newport) relative to being initiated into the Exalted degrees, 
and forming there, a Council of Princes of the Royal Secret, 
with consistorial powers. Having arranged all the prelimina- 
ries, a Committee was appointed by them in 1813, to come on 
to New York and receive the same. Mr. C. Moore, of Cin- 
cinnati, says, page 89, Lamarre : 

" The Masons exalted by Newport Chapter to the Royal Arch in 1811, be- 
ing desirous of having the higher degrees, and the authority to confer said de- 
grees being lost by the decease of Moses Seixas, they appointed a Committee 
to proceed to New York and receive them, and obtain authority to establish 
a Consistory in Newport. The Consistory, at that time, gave the degrees of 
Knighthood, there being no Encampment there ; but when the Grand Encamp- 
ment of New England was formed, those who had received the degrees of 
Knighthood, joined, &c." 

It was by this Consistory that an Encampment of Knight 
Templars was formed in Newport — the first one in that State. 
There was not a Grand Encampment in any State until long 
afterward ; but as soon as Grand Encampments were formed, 
all existing Encampments came under their rule. The first 
Grand Encampment that was ever formed in the United States 
grew out of the Sovereign Grand Consistory in New York in 
1813. De La Motta, in his Replication, thus speaks of it : 



166 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

" An advertisement appeared in the newspapers some time last winter (1813) 
under the sanction of ' Mr. Cerneau's Grand Association,' respecting the estab- 
lishment of a Grand Encampment of Knights Templars, Knights of Malta, 
&c., for the State of New York. It is another proof of their total want of 
reflection or information, being in the most pointed and positive opposition 
with the sacred engagements of Kadosch. To perceive names mentioned in their 
celebrated Tableaux, as possessing the grade of Kadosch^ designated as Grand 
Officers in that Grand Encampment, a thing so incompatible with the degree of 
Kadosch,that every true and lawful brother arriving at that degree, must shud- 
der at their improper conduct ; a circumstance, sufficient in itself, to cause 
their expulsion from those high degrees. Does not this conduct, among their 
many others, evidence their total ignorance of the Higher orders of Masonry ? 

The Consistory in Rhode Island had its commencement in 
the year 1813. Its work was conducted under the auspices of 
the Illustrious Brother John A. Shaw, a resident of Newport, 
who was one of the members of the Committee which came on 
to New York, and was at that time appointed and regularly 
constituted a Deputy Inspector General for the State of Rhode 
Island. It was prosperous, and numbered among its members 
some of the most respectable citizens of that State. We say 
this knowingly, haviug had a long and intimate acquaintance 
with three of the Ancient or original members, who afterwards 
became residents of the city of New York — viz., Mr. Noah 
Cook, and William and David Coggeshall, also with its Repre- 
sentative near the Sovereign Grand Consistory, Mr. Thomas 
Lownds. It pursued its work regularly, and existed in very 
prosperous circumstances until the year 1827, a period of six- 
teen years. It had no rival or opposition, except from De La 
Motta, who, in the year 1814, served it with a copy of his 
defamatory publications. The replies given him by John A. 
Shaw and Stephen Deblois will show the manner in which 
those communications were received, as well as the opinions 
they entertained. They are to be found, verbatim, in the lat- 
ter part of De La Motta's Replication. See Appendix, Docu- 
ment No. 19. De La Motta complained of them as indecent 
and illiterate. But when one takes into the account the pro- 
vocation — viz., a threat to publish them, in full, to the world, 
as Impostors, he will hardly be of the opinion that they are in- 
decent—but on the contrary, the plain, honest, decided opin- 
ions of men who believed they were addressing a mounte- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 167 

bank. The only Tronder is, that they treated the matter with 
such mildness. 

In 1813, the Scottish Masons of Louisiana applied to the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory for the establishment of a Con- 
sistory, Thirty-second degree, or Council of Sublime Princes 
of the Royal Secret for the State of Louisiana, to be located in 
New Orleans. The prayei* of the petitioners was granted, and 
the said Consistory was inaugurated and proclaimed in New 
Orleans on the 19th day of June, 1813, and became a depen- 
dency of the Supreme Council and Sovereign Grand Consis- 
tory of tlie United States, sitting in New York. Tliis account 
agrees perfectly with the records, which further state, that the 
Most Illustrious Brother John Pinard was appointed Deputy 
Inspector General for that State, and Illustrious President of 
the Council ; and that James B. Duraud, of New York city, 
was the Representative, accredited near the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory, sitting in New York. The record also contains a 
return of the members of the Council, and the officers installed, 
which list was afterwards published in the Annuary of 1816, 
and again in 1818. 

Mr. Foulhouse, in speaking of the Consistory, says : 

*• The presumptuous circular of the Charleston people of 1802, had pro- 
duced no effect in the Masonic world. It was despised in the North of the 
United States, and the pretensions therein expressed were laughed at in 
France, whilst in the Southern portion of the United States, it was held as a 
nullity beneath consideration. The archives of the Grand Consistory, founded 
in Louisiana in 1813, literally show, that its founders called on the Council 
presided over in New York by Joseph Cerneau, to obtain the Constitutive 
Charter, under which they and their successors invariably worked, until the 
formation of our Supreme Council in 1839, a period of twenty-six years. 

" No one in Louisiana, we presume, will aver, that the wise founders of that 
Consistory in 1813, were ignorant of the denunciations published by Dalcho 
and his colleagues against Joseph Cerneau and his Council. They held De 
La Motta, Mitchell and Dalcho as beings of no Masonic value whatever. They 
contented themselves with a Consistory, and having Consistorial letters only 
to ask, it certainly was immaterial to them to obtain them, either of De La 
Motta or of Joseph Cerneau, and they could have no other object, except that 
of working under a competent jurisdiction. The question was not with them, 
one of authority and government, but of mere obedience, and considering that 
they were all honest men, devoted to their country, connected with the most 



168 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

respectable families in New Orleans, and fathers of citizens who are still a 
cause of honor and pride for Louisiana, is it not to be concluded that they acted, 
as they did in all the rest, as men of probity, as friends of truth, as defenders 
of justice, and that their verdict in that matter must be sacred to us ? 

" If we had no other proof of the absolute non-entity of the Charleston 
Council, except the public act by which those departed fathers placed them- 
selves during their lifetime under the jurisdiction of the Council of Joseph 
Cerueau, notwithstanding the circulars and orations of Dalcho, and the denunci- 
ations and libels of De La Motta and his associates, we would be satisfied there- 
with, because the worst consequence into which we could then be driven, 
would be that of doubt — which is not, however, the case — and that therefore 
we would be bound to believe those ancient and irreproachable witnesses, who 
had seen, heard, examined and decided all, without passion, and without per- 
sonal interest, from the beginning." 

We learn from the records of the Consistory, that this body 
continued in active operation and uninterrupted harmony with 
the parent body up to the year 1828, when the labors of the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory were interrupted by the Anti- 
Masonic excitement. But this interruption at the North had 
no effect upon them. For their own records, as well as the his- 
tory of Masonry in Louisiana, show that they continued their 
work, and as there were many Scottish Masons in New Or- 
leans, who were anxious to work the three first degrees after 
the Scottish manual, that Consistory went on to charter 
Lodges in the Symbolic degrees. And appended to these 
Lodges, were Chapters of Rose Croix and Councils of Kadosch. 
These acts on the part of the Consistory led to a correspon- 
dence of some length between the Grand Lodge of that State 
and itself, which was amicably arranged January 10th, 1833. 
The following official letters will explain the same in full : 



New Orleans, January 10th, 1833. 
" The Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana, To 
" The Grand Consistory of the Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, in the 
State of Louisiana, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Great Prince and Illustrious 
Commander-in-chief, and ye all Sublime Princes. 

" Motives of the highest kind for the welfare of the Masonic Order have de- 
termined the Grand Lodge of this State, to constitute in its bosom, a special 
chamber for the Symbolic degrees of Scotch Masonry. Consequently, it begs 
this Grand Consistory to divest itself of the right which it has, to constitute 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 169 

Scotch Lodges here, to transfer the same to said Chamber, and to give proper 
information of said transfer, to the Lodges now working under its jurisdiction, 
directing them to obey henceforth the commands and Statutes of the State 
Grand Lodge in i:s said Chamber. 

" Please, Illustrious Brethren, to accept the sincere vows which the Grand 
Lodge makes for the prosperity of your august labors, and for the happiness 
of each of you in particular. 

" With these feelings, the members of the Grand Lodge have the favor to 
salute you with the numbers which are known to you. 

" By order, Dissard, Grand Secretary." 



"if/Z EX TENEBRIS.'' 

New Orleans, January 28th, 1833. 

" The Sovereign Grand Consistory of the Princes of the Royal Secret, Thirty- 
second degree, Scotch Rite, To 

" The Most Illustrious Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana, in its Scotch 
Symbolic Chamber. 

" Illustrious Brother : 

" I have the favor to inform you, that the Sovereign Grand Consistory has 
received the communication which has been sent to it by the Most Illustrious 
Grand Lodge in its Scotch Symbolical Chamber. After having maturely re- 
flected on the beneficial consequences which are to follow for jNL^sonry in 
general, from measures which tend to unite the various rites of our fraternity, 
and which will more perfectly answer the spirit of our valuable institution, the 
Grand Consistory has given to all the Lodges of its jurisdiction, the necessary 
instructions, in order that such a worthy enterprise, on the part of the Most 
Illustrious Grand Lodge, should be accomplished as speedily as possible. 

" Consequently, and agreeably to the directions sent, as above said, to each 
of the Scotch Lodges here, we have the favor to inform you that they all sub- 
mitted with joy, to the orders given to that effect by the Grand Consistory, that 
they are prepared to receive new Constitutions from the Most Illustrious Cham- 
ber over which you preside, and that they have already sent back to the archives 
of the Grand Consistory, the Charters which they had under its dispensation. 

" The Supreme authorities of Scotch Masonry in the State of Louisiana, 
have not hesitated to yield to a body so respectable as the Most Illustrious 
Grand Lodge is, the rights which it cannot fail exercising with splendor and 
justice. And the Grand Consistory ardently wishes that the Grand Lodge find 
in this cession of a noble and so useful a right, a new proof of the desire which 
the Princes of the Royal Secret had, to perpetuate between the Scotch Rite 
and the others, such an alliance as will necessarily be, for the glory and pros- 
perity of Free Masonry, under whatever banner its disciples may decide to 
walk. 

" Please, Illustrious and Dear Brother, to accept for yourself, and for the 



170 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

illustrious body over which you preside, the fraternal and sincere vows, which 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory, and all the Sublime Princes who compose it, 
will never cease to make for your prosperity, and believe. Illustrious brother, 
in the true devotedness of your respectful brother, 
" By order of the Grand Consistory, 

A. W. PiciioT, Secretary, jpro tern" 



In this way this unhappy difference was brought to a close, 
the Consistory being contented to relinquish the right of char- 
tering Lodges in the Symbolic degrees, so long as the Grand 
Lodge would consent to authorize the same, and the Grand 
Lodge being content to have a rival removed — a rival to her 
power — even at the expense of doing herself, the very thing 
which she would not allow her rival to do. A Chamber for 
the Scottish Rite was established in the bosom of the Grand 
Lodge, and, as a matter of course, the Consistory ceased work- 
ing in any degree below the Fourth, while the Chamber in the 
Grand Lodge for the Scottish Rite, chartered all the Lodges 
for which petitions were made. This Chamber continued until 
the year 1850. 

In the year 1816, the Illustrious Brother Peter Javain, had 
been appointed by the Sovereign Grand Consistory, as Deputy 
Inspector General for the State of South Carolina, and soon 
after his appointment, application was made by several brethren 
there for the establishment of the Exalted degrees of Masonry. 
A Grand Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret was 
accordingly established in the city of Charleston, South Caro- 
lina, the Most Worshipful Thomas W. Bacot, Grand Master of 
the Grand Lodge being its first President. He was succeeded 
by the Most Illustrious Brother John S. Cogdill, Grand Senior 
Warden of the Grand Lodge. The Illustrious Brother Isaac 
M. Wilson, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge was Senior 
Grand Warden ; and the Most Illustrious Brother Joel R. 
Poinsett, who subsequently was appointed Minister to Mexico, 
was one of its most active members. Illustrious Brother Jacob 
Schieffelin was the duly appointed Representative of that Sub- 
lime Council, near the Sovereign Grand Consistory, and P. 
Javain was Representative for the Sovereign Grand Consistory, 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 171 

for the State of South Carolina. A full list of the Officers "and 
Members will be found, by referring to the published Annuary 
of 1818. Appendix, Document No. 20. 

The Sublime Council of Princes also established, in the city 
of Charleston, a Sovereign Chapter of Princes of Rose Croix, 
under the definitive title of '^Friends of Peace^ Its President 
was Thomas W. Bacot. He was succeeded by Hon. Joel R. 
Poinsett. A full list of the Officers will be found in the Annu- 
ary before alluded to. 

These bodies were established in the city of Charleston, and 
continued their work in harmony and prosperity until the year 
1827, when they ceased. During all this time. Illustrious 
Brother P. Javain, continued to exercise the functions of Dep- 
uty Inspector General for the State of South Carolina, and 
Representative there, of the Sovereign Grand Consistory of 
the United States, and these bodies were held under his patron- 
age and inspection. 

It would be vain to suppose that the establishment of these 
bodies, in the State which De La Motta claimed as his own, and 
which State (Masonically) was subject to his nod, should be 
quietly passed by. On the contrary, Emanuel left no means 
untried to break them down. He tampered with the members 
in secret, using all his influence to persuade them to desist in 
their undertaking. Finding these means useless, he resorted 
to public personal abuse through the daily papers there, and 
enlisted the feelings of one /. McCosh, who afterward became 
a member of his body. It would be needless to give in full 
the publications which appeared over various signatures, but 
more particularly McCosh, in the papers of that city. A few 
in Appendix, Document No. 21, will serve the purpose. By 
these, all the others can be judged. Brother P. Javain replied 
to them all fully, and too much praise cannot be bestowed upon 
him for his moderation, and the manly course of conduct which 
he pursued throughout the whole controversy, by meeting 
every point at issue, inviting full examination of all the docu- 
ments, and exposing the vain and foolish pretensions of De La 
Motta, in such a manner, as to convince everyone who felt any 
interest in the matter, of the justness of the claims of the 



172 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Grand Council of Princes, and her subordinate bodies. But 
the controversy lasted from the very commencement to the 
year 1827, when the Council of Princes ceased. And about 
the same period the Charleston body became again inactive 
and went to sleep. 

The Sovereign Grand Consistory, on application, also estab- 
lished a Grand Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret 
in the State of Pennsylvania. The Most Illustrious A. J. 
Blocquerst was appointed Deputy Inspector General for that 
State, and Representative of the Sovereign Grand Consistory. 
Illustrious Brother John F. Hurtel was the Illustrious Presi- 
dent. For a full list of the Officers and Members, see Annu- 
ary in the Appendix, Document 20. This Council also estab- 
lished a Sovereign Chapter of Princes of Rose Croix in Phila- 
delphia. The Hon. John W. Mulligan was the Representative 
for the Grand Council at Philadelphia, near the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory. Both the Sublime Council and its subor- 
dinate body, the Chapter of Rose Croix, continued in active 
operation until the year 1827. 

By referring to the Annuary, it will be found that the follow- 
ing persons were regularly enrolled, and proclaimed as Deputy 
Inspectors General up to the year 1816 : 

The Most Illustrious Brethren, 

J. Pinard, for the State of Louisiana, 
John A. Shaw, for the State of Rhode Island, 
A. J. Blocquerst, for the State of Pennsylvania, 
Peter Javain, for the State of South Carolina, 
Louis Le Loup, for the State of Maryland. 

These Deputies were all appointed for special purpose — viz., 
the establishment of the degrees of Exalted Masonry in their 
several States. It will be seen that they performed their du- 
ties faithfully ; a Grand Council of Sublime Princes of the 
Royal Secret, and Sovereign Chapters of Rose Croix, having 
been constituted by them in each of the said States. Not, how- 
ever, by their own creation, or individual power, as was the 
case with all the pretended officers of that grade from the 
Charleston body. On the contrary, they were instructed to 



SCOTTISH EITE OF HEKEDOM. 173 

select the Constitutional number of brethren, according to the 
General Statutes of the Order, and having done so, to engross 
a petition to the Sovereign Grand Consistory, which they were 
to sign. Said petition was to be presented in form, acted upon, 
and power given to the Deputy, in connection with others, 
whom tlie Sovereign Grand Consistory might choose or select, 
to assist the Deputy in conferring the degress, and constituting 
the bodies in proper form, after which, all the duties proper of 
the Deputy ceased, with the exception of " overseeing the work^ 
The body so constituted then became a governing power in its 
own State, taking upon itself to receive petitions, institute sub- 
ordinate bodies, confer degrees, &c., looking to the Deputy 
only for instruction, and relying upon him as their Represent- 
ative to the Sovereign Grand Consistory. All the powers of 
the Deputy ceased, on the establishment of a legal and proper 
body. This is fully expressed in every Patent issued by the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory. 

The assumption of power on the part of any officer appointed 
by the Sovereign Grand Consistory, or Supreme Council, to 
confer degrees of any kind upon individual brethren, whenever 
and wherever he please, and under any circumstances,, or to 
" estahlish^congregate, superintend and inspect^ all Lodges ^ Chapter s^ 
Councils, Colleges and Consistories,^^ is deemed by all regular 
Masonic bodies as highly culpable and out of character. No 
persons, pretending to be Masons, with whom we have ever 
been acquainted, pretended to possess these high powers, ex- 
cept the Charleston people and their coadjutors, De La Motta, 
Gourgas, Jacobs, and a few others who have received their 
Masonic teachings in that school. These have made a business 
of it, and a paying one besides. They may have put money in 
their pockets, but they have, most certainly, created more con- 
fusion among the craft, and have done the institution of Mason- 
ry more injury, than any men connected with the Order, in their 
day. And it is melancholy to perceive, that the teaching then 
received, lias not yet lost its power. 

With such proceedings the Sovereign Grand Consistory has 
had no fellowship or sympathy. It published to the world a 
repudiation of all such doctrines and proceedings, and has 



174 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

faithfully warned the whole fraternity against these spurious 
and illegal Masons. To Emanuel De La Motta may be 
attributed all the blame. From the first hour he became a 
member of the Charleston body, until the day of his death, he 
had but little else to do. 

It was in consequence of such outrageous proceedings, that 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory was obliged to repeat her 
circular under date of November, 1816. She had, during that 
year, received her acknowledgement from the Grand Orient of 
France, containing a full and official recognition of the justness 
and legality of the Consistory for the United States, her Ter- 
ritories and Dependencies, signed in full assembly, and sealed 
in form. If there had been any doubt before, concerning her 
regularity, these doubts were now dispelled forever. She not 
only had the acknowledgement of those two Sovereign bodies, 
but was also in full correspondence with the Sovereign bodies 
of Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Prussia, and other portions 
of the continent. 

It was necessary, for the benefit of the craft in this country, 
that these things should be known, and the acknowledgements 
spread before the world. New bodies were springing up in 
every part of the Union under the patronage and auspices of 
this travelling pedler. The brethren who were persuaded into 
a connection of this kind, by the tools and dupes of De La 
Motta, were being deceived into a belief that his powers were 
authentic, and that they would be recognized wherever they 
went. And the frequent applications made by these new mem- 
bers and bodies, for reception, at the doors of Sublime Lodges, 
Councils, Chapters and Consistories, hailing from the Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory, and which invariably met with refu- 
sal and consequent disappointment, made it necessary that a 
step of this kind should be taken for the general good. They 
therefore, issued the document attached to the Annuary, No- 
vember 30th, 1816. 

This document was printed in the form of a circular, signed 
by each member and officer of the Committee of General Ad- 
ministration, and forwarded to every regular Masonic body in 
the country, and on the continent. The result was good. It 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 175 

brought together all the bodies in the various States which 
were regular, their documents were received, acknowledged, 
sealed and returned, and the published Annuarj of the Con- 
sistory, which appeared under the Seal, Stamp and signatures 
of that body, contained a full list of Officers, Members, Repre- 
sentatives, Locations, Correspondence, &c. In the year 1818,- 
a third and enlarged Annuary was published, a copy of which 
is attached to the Appendix, No. 20. 

By referring to the Annuary, it will be seen that The Most 
Illustrious Brother Germain Hacquet, First Representative 
of the Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France, President 
in the Supreme Council of Rites, Grand Commander of the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory of France, is Representative for 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory of the United States of 
America, near the Grand Orient. 

J. J. Itter, Representative near the Supreme Council of 
Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree for the 
Island of Jamaica. 

That the Sovereign Grand Consistory was in full correspon- 
dence with the Sovereign Grand Lodge, Astree, of Russia, sit- 
ting at St. Petersburg, and that 

The Most Illustrious Brother Joseph Cerneau, was the ac- 
credited Representative from, the Grand Orient of France, Su- 
preme Council of Rites, and Sovereign Grand Consistory, near 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory of the United States, their 
Territories and Dependencies. 



CHAPTER SEYENTH. 

FURTHER PROGRESS OF THE ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONAL 
SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 

From 1818 to 1828. — Disappearance of the De La Motta-Gourgas Supreme 
Council. — St. John's Hall. — Henry Marsh. — Edict concerning D'Glock D' 
Obernay. — Withdrawal of J. Cerneau as Grand Commander, and becomes 
"Honorary" in 1821. — Succeeded by Hon. John W. Mulligan as Grand 

Commander, 1822 Seth Driggs appointed a Deputy Inspector General for 

the Island of Trinidad. — Hon. John W. Mulligan resigns in 1823, and is 
succeeded by Hon. Dewitt Clinton as Grand Commander. — EJict issued 
denouncing the Supreme Council of Charleston, South Carolina. — List of 
Consistories. — The Marquis De Lafayette arrives in the United States and 
is exalted to the Sublime degrees in 1824. — Charter granted by the Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory for a Sovereign Chapter Rose Croix, by title, 

"Lafayette." — List of Officers Richard S. Spofford, M. D., of Newbury- 

port, Massachusetts, exalted to the Thirty-third degree, and appointed 
Deputy Inspector General for the State of Massachusetts, 1825. In 1826, 
David Jevrett, an Officer in the Brazilian service, appointed Deputy Inspec- 
tor General for the Empire of Brazil. — 1827, Anti-Masonic excitement. — 
1828, Death of Hon. Dewitt Clinton. — Henry C. Atwood. — Libels on 

.. Joseph Cerneau answered. — Differences examined between the " Sovereign 
Grand Consistory of the ^Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite of Hercdom,'' 
and the Supreme Council of Charleston of the " Ancient and Accepted 
Rite." 

Having reached the year 1818, in which it may be said with 
truth, that the Sovereign Grand Consistory, and Supreme 
Council of Cerneau, was established upon a firm foundation, 
by having completely overcome and destroyed all opposing 
bodies in New York, we will now proceed with the history up 
to the year 1828, a period of ten years, during which, but little 
else was done than transacting the regular business of the 
body. The pretended Council of De La Motta, with Gourgas 
at its head, had disappeared. Many members in connection 
with that branch, had united with the Sovereign Grand Con- 
sistory, and the remaining ones were scattered. But still, those 
who were left, managed to find customers for the degrees, who 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 177 

were mostly persons of foreign birth, and Gourgas and Jacobs 
together furnished them, as often as the opportunity for so 
doing occurred. And occasionally, a flaming Edict would be 
issued by them, which was parsed by unnoticed. 

It was about this time that St. John's Hall, in Frankfort 
Street, was fitted up for the purposes of the Consistory, and 
occupied by that body. It was kept by Brother Henry Marsh, 
a member of the same, and acting Sentinel for many years. 
Brother Marsh published the Masonic Almanac and Record, an 
annual, which was kept up until the year 1828. In eacli and 
every one of his Annuals will be found a record of the time, 
and place of meeting of the Consistory, up to that year. Be- 
sides the Consistory, occupying the building, were the two 
Chapters of Rose Croix — viz., the Triple Alliance and Lafay- 
ette, the two Encampments of Knights Templar — viz., Colum- 
bian and Morton, and five Royal Arch Chapters, which made 
this splendid room their permanent place of meeting. 

On the 10th of November, 1820, the Consistory issued a Cir- 
cular, in consequence of the Un-masonic proceedings of an im- 
postor, by the name of Joseph De Clock D'Obernay, who, un- 
der the pretence of his quality as a Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General of the Thirtj^-third degree, had created members and 
erected a Grand Consistory, in places under this jurisdiction, 
where the proper power had been previously conveyed, and 
also by conferring, of his own mere motion, the three first de- 
grees of Ancient Masonry, and transferred the power of doing 
so to others, within the jurisdiction of regularly organized 
Grand Lodges. 

(See Appendix, Document No. 22.) 

In the year 1821, Mr. Cerneau withdrew from the office of 
Sovereign Grand Commander, and took the title of ''^Honorary 
Grand Commander, ad vitaraJ^ He was succeeded by the Hon. 
John W. Mulligan, the other offices remaining the same. And 
during this year a most interesting and valuable correspon- 
dence was renewed with the Grand Orient of France, through 
the Representative to that body, Germain Hacquet, resulting 
in their forwarding to the Sovereign Grand Consistory, a 
renewal of fraternal greetings, and a copy of the proceedings 



178 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

of the Grand Orient, a renewed letter of acknowledgement 
signed in full assembly by the Officers and Members of the Su- 
preme Council of Rites. This correspondence was kept up 
until the year 1827. 

During the year 1822 the officers remained unchanged. In 
the mouth of September, Seth Driggs, a member of the Consis- 
tory, was appointed Deputy Inspector General for the Island 
of Trinidad, and carried with him thi necessary powers for 
forming and constituting a Sovereign Grand Council of Princes 
of the Royal Secret, together with subordinate bodies, and also 
of constituting a Grand Provisional Committee at Port of 
Spain, Island of Trinidad. This Council was regularly formed 
in that island, and Brother Driggs acted in the capacity of 
Deputy Inspector General there, and Representative of the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory of the United States of America, 
near that body. 

(See Appendix, Document No. 23.) 
During the year 1823, the Hon. John W. Mulligan retired 
from the office of Sovereign Grand Commander, and the Hon. 
Dewitt Clinton was elected to fill his place. A full list of the 
officers for this year will be found by referring to thje statisti- 
cal account of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, which follows 
the conclusion of the history. 

An Edict was issued November 14th, by the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory, in consequence of the shameful proceedings of 
Emanuel De La Motta and others, who were connected with 
the Charleston body already alluded to over the signature of 
Joseph McCosh. 

(See Appendix, Document No. 21.) 
By this document it will be seen, that the Consistory had 
granted Patents for the formation of Grand Councils of Princes 
of the Royal Secret, Thirty-second degree, and Capitulary 
Charters for Sovereign Chapters of Rose Croix at the follow- 
ing places — viz. : 

New York, State of New York, 
Newport, State of Rhode Island, ^ 

New Orleans, State of Louisiana, 
Charleston, State of South Carolina, 



SCOTTISH EITE OF HEREDOM. 179 

Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, 

Baltimore, State of Maryland, 

Norfolk, State of Virginia, 

Havanna, Island of Cuba, 

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, 

Cumana, ) ^^ t t ^ 

-^ ' / Republic 01 

Barcelona, > o xi a 

-r V bouth America, 
Laguayra, ) 

in all of which States or Islands the Consistory had appointed 
Representatives, Deputy Inspectors General, residing therein. 
The perusal of this, in connection with other documents in the 
Appendix, will show the undying enmity, entertained by the 
Jew, De La Motta, toward all persons, who were in any way 
connected with the Sovereign Grand Consistory. The closing 
passages of the Edict are recommended to the brethren; the 
assertion being again repeated, concerning their recognition 
and acknowledgement, with an earnest appeal to the brethren, 
to abstain from all public controversy upon this subject. 

During the year 182i the officers continued the same. On 
the 15th of August, the Marquis De Lafayette landed in the 
city of New York. He was received as the nation's guest, 
and during this year was exalted by the Consistory to the 
Thirty-third and last degree of Masonry. And subsequently 
was made Honorary Grand Commander. On his return to 
France, he was received, acknowledged and proclaimed by the 
Grand Orient. 

On the 22d of November, the Consistory granted a Capitu- 
lary Charter for a Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, under the 
distinctive title of " LafayetteJ^ for the valley of New York. 
The following are the Officers named in the Charter : 
111.*. Bro.'. Oliver M. Lownds, President, 
" " Garritt Morgan, Grand Senior Warden, 
" " Henry Marsh, Grand Junior Warden. 
(See Appendix, Document No. 14.) 
This Chapter met in the Consistory room semi-monthly, and 
has preserved its existence through storm and sunshine up to 
the present day. 



180 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

In 1825 there was no change in the list of officers. But an 
application was made to the Consistory during the month of 
January, by Eichard S. Spofford, M. D., residing at Newbury- 
port, Massachusetts, for exaltation, which request was granted, 
and at a subsequent meeting of the Consistory, Doctor Spof- 
ford was appointed Deputy Inspector General for the State of 
Massachusetts, and clothed with full power to open and con- 
stitute a Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, and also to form a 
Grand Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret for that 
State. That Brother has acted in his official capacity in that 
State up to the present day. He is now advanced in life, and 
is one of the most respectable Masons in the State. For a 
copy of Patent, see 

(Appendix, Document No. 25.) 

In the month of November, 1826, Mr. David Jewett, Thirty- 
third, and member of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, an 
officer in the Brazilian service, was appointed Deputy Inspector 
General for the Empire of Brazil, with Consistorial powers. 
For the particulars of which the reader is referred to Appen- 
dix, Document No. 26. 

A Representative, and Deputy Inspector General for the 
State of Virginia was also appointed this year, in the person 
of the Illustrious Brother John P. Schisano, formerly Secretary 
General of the Consistory. His residence was Noi^folk, Vir- 
ginia, to which city he had removed. 

The offices continued to be filled by tlie same persons during 
the year 1826, and no event occurred worthy of note. The 
work of the Order progressed as usual, a great number of new 
members were received, and the present year may be consid- 
ered as the period when the Masonic institution in the United 
States enjoyed unprecedented popularity. 

1827, A memorable year for Masonry throughout the North- 
ern section of the United States. The officers of the body 
were unchanged. The Anti-Masonic, or Morgan excitement 
broke out in the early part of this year, carrying desolation in 
its course. The Sovereign Grand Consistory suffered in com- 
mon with other Masonic bodies, and it appears by the records, 
that the labors of the body were brought to a close by com- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 181 

mon consent on tlie 28th day of November of this year. Much 
of the furniture and properties were removed from the Consis- 
tory room to the care of Illustrious Brother Lewis B. Timolat, 
then residing in Pearl Street, near Broadway. The unpopu- 
larity of Masonry was so great, that it became dangerous to 
hold any stated meetings, and they were therefore secret, and 
known only to a very few members in the immediate vicinity. 

In 1828 the Consistory met with a severe loss in the death 
of the Hon. Dewitt Clinton, Sovereign Grand Commander for 
the United States. He died in the month of February, at Al- 
bany, his place of residence. 

A singular circumstance, in connection with our history, oc- 
curred four days before his demise. It was the time of the 
annual communication of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch 
Masons at Albany, and Brother Henry C. Atwood being a 
delegate from his Chapter that year, and having previously 
been exalted to the Thirty-third degree, bore his Patent with 
him, and waited upon Mr. Clinton at his residence, in order to 
have it confirmed by his signature. Mr. Clinton was much 
out of health at that time, but being well acquainted with 
Brother Atwood, received him with great kindness, and 
cheerfully confirmed his Patent by his signature, remarking as 
he done so, that he was happy in being able to perform this 
service for an old friend, and that he might possibly live to 
see the day when that paper would be of great service to him. 
Four days afterwards Mr. Clinton was no more, and Mr. At- 
wood did live to see the day, when that paper proved the truth 
of the prophecy, uttered as it was among the dying words of 
that honored and illustrious man. 

We have now arrived at a period when it may be said, that 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory for the United States of 
America was brought to an end, in common with all other 
Masonic bodies in the land, having had an unbroken and unin- 
terrupted existence of twenty years. It was established in 
1807, acknowledged by the Supreme Council of France in 
1813, by the Grand Orient of France in 1816, renewed in 1820, 
and a continued correspondence kept up through its llepre- 
sentative, Germain Hacquet, until the year 1827, (November) 



182 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIMNT AND ACCEPTED. 

at which time the works of the Consistory ceased. This is a 
simple fact — it cannot be disproved, and needs not a single 
word additional, to contradict the base and false assertions 
made by De La Motta and " his successors. ^^ 

We repeat, that this is a matter of history, proved by its 
own records and documents, and corroborated in full by many 
living witnesses at the present day, among the number of whom 
may be mentioned Hon. John W. Mulligan, Joseph Bouchaud, 
Seth Driggs, Dr. Richard S, Spofford, and many others, whose 
names it is unnecessary to particularize here. How then do 
many of the denunciations appear which have been so freely 
dealt out concerning poor Mr. Cerneau, his abettors and fol- 
lowers ? In what light do their statements appear ? In Mr. 
Lamarre's pamphlet, page 90, we read — 

" But if our readers wish to know the acts of that ' notorious impostor, 
Joseph Cerneau,' than whom there never was a greater falsifier, except Mr, 
Foulhouze himself, we refer them to Clavel, Hist. Pit. de la Mac, page 270." 

Again, same page — 

*' Mr. Foulhouze, in his attempts to prove the genuineness and legitimacy of 
the self-styled Grand Consistory established June 19th, 1813, in New Orleans, 
by Joseph Cerneau, will take good care to conceal that the said Joseph Cer- 
neau's powers emanated from the Supreme Council of France, that all the Ma- 
sonic bodies established by him were demolished ; all his Masonic acts annul- 
led as irregular, and himself denounced and expelled, in 1813-14, as one unwor- 
thy of being a Mason, both by the * Supreme Council of Charleston,' and 
by the ' Grand Orient of France,' &c." 

We confess this to be altogether " newJ^ We were not 
aware before, that all Cerneau's powers emanated from " The 
Supreme Council of France/^ that all or any of the bodies estab- 
lished by Cerneau were demolished, or that he was ever de- 
nounced or expelled by the " Grand Orient of France.^' That 
these acts were perpetrated by the mountebank, De La Motta, 
on his individual responsibility, we knew before, and if the 
author of the above is disposed to make him " The Supreme 
Council of Charleston,^' we cheerfully accord him the privilege. 

M. Samory also says, page 21 : 

" On the 21st of September, 1813, Y. E., the two Supreme Councils of the 
United States of America (viz., Charleston and New York,) denounced Cer- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 183 

neau, who had the pretension to establish a Supreme Council in New York, 
and the consequence of this denunciation was, to unmask an impostor trading 
in Masonry." 

JYote hy Author. — The denunciation here spoken of is by De 
La Motta. If M. Samory is disposed to apply the name of 
" two Supreme Councils of the United States '' to this travelling 
pedler, he is welcome to the privilege. The denunciation of 
which he speaks, is De La Motta's pamphlet, and may be 
referred to in the Appendix. How much of a Supreme Coun- 
cil there was in the city of Charleston at this period we 
have already shown. And as it regards the Supreme Council 
at New York, the records of the present Charleston Council 
declare that De La Motta made a Council there in January, 
1815, nearly two years later.. If M. Samory 's assertion be 
correct about the date, it falsifies the Charleston record, and 
PROVES that De La Motta did, in the month of August, 1813, 
elevate Sampson Simson, M. L. M. Peixotto, J. J. J. Gourgas, 
and Richard Riker to the Thirty-third degree, and form them 
into a pretended Supreme Council, as Ragon has already said. 
But further — 

*' The Supreme Council of Cerneau had but a short existence, but his numer- 
ous victims have not forgotten his impostures, even at this day, 

" In 1827, another attempt to revive the Supreme Council of Cerneau, was 
made by Henry C. Atwood. This did not succeed. However, this usurpation 
of the rights of the Supreme Council of the Northern Jurisdiction of the 
United States of America, was immediately denounced in a protest, under date 
of August 6th, 1827, and singed by J. J. J. Gourgas as Most Puissant Sove- 
reign Grand Commander. 

" The Supreme Council of Atwood, which appointed J. Cross to succeed 
him, was unable to resist this denunciation, and ceased its labors." 

We make no comment upon the first paragraph. The merit 
of that, the reader can determine for himself. But to the 
second, we say that the Sovereign Grand Consistory of Cer- 
neau, which contained the Supreme Council within itself, in 
precisely the same way as the Grand Orient of France contains 
her Supreme Council, did not cease its labors until the month 
of November, 1827, therefore there could be no attempt to 
REVIVE it. Furthermore, Brother Atwood was not a member 
of the Supreme Council in 1827, nor was Gourgas a Comman- 



184 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

der, except in his bed-room. So the whole of this statement is 
" Tnanufacturedy 

Mr. Cross did not succeed Mr. Atwood until the year 1851, 
a period of twenty-four years after this date — viz., 1827. Mr. 
Atwood had been Grand Commander for eight or ten years be- 
fore this period. Gourgas did not become a Grand Commander 
until 1848, and the denunciation to which M. Samory alludes, 
was not issued until after Mr. Cross became Grand Comman- 
der — viz., 1851. " The Supreme Council of Atwood,^^ as he is 
pleased to denominate it, is at this present writing — 1862 — in 
existence ; is in a very healthy and flourishing condition, and 
has been so from its commencement, as we shall shortly see. 
So much for the correctness of this part of the statement made 
by M. Samory. But again, same page — 

" Another Supreme Council sprung up also in New York, under the Presi- 
dency of Ellas Hicks : it had hut a nominal existence. It was likewise de- 
nounced as having no legal authority" 

We confess ourselves at a loss to understand what the author 
of the above means by a " nominal existence.^' The Supi-eme 
Council to v/hich he alludes, commenced in 1832, and contin- 
ued its existence until 1846, a period of fourteen years, as the 
records show. It Avas acknowledged by the Supreme Council 
of France, at which the Representative Lafayette was located, 
the Supreme Council of Belgium, and the Supreme Council of 
Brazil with all of which powers the United Supreme Council 
was united by treaty. See Document 28, part 2d. As it regards 
the assertion that " it was denounced, ^c," every Mason who is at 
all acquainted with the subject, knows, that not a single body 
on the face of the habitable globe '' denounced " that Council, 
always excepting the Supreme Grand Council of Charleston, 
South Carolina, and all well informed Masons have long since 
determined the standard, by which the denunciations of that 
body are to be judged. 

It would be a needless task to correct all the mis-statements 
made by different parties from De La Motta down to the 
present time. For the present we will desist, and go on with 
the history, but shall refer to them again as the occasion may 
require. 



SCOTTISH KITE OF HEREDOM. 185 

We have shown, that duruig the time in which the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory had an existence, it had established subordi- 
nate bodies in many different States, in the Islands, and in 
South America, which bodies were all acknowledged, and con- 
tinue to this day to be recognized by the different Masonic 
powers in various parts of the world. 

The Charleston body, on the contrary, stood alone. Up to 
the year 1829 it had no acknowledgement or correspondence 
whatever, unless it be mentioned, that in the month of Decem- 
ber, 1813, the Supreme Council of France did acknowledge 
her, through the influence of Count De Grasse, who was after- 
■wards expelled himself. The first recognition of that body by 
the Grand Orient of France, was in the year 1829 or 1830 — • 
after the Sovereign Grand Consistory had ceased its corres- 
pondence. And the recognition at this time was obtained by 
deception, w^iich we shall have occasion to speak of in its 
proper place. (See Chapter YIII.) 

Mr. Lamarre, in his book, page 64, says : 

" What is evident is, that since 1829 at least, its relations have been with 
the Grand Orient, and that it has 7iever maintained any with the Supreme 
Council of France, since its revival in 1821. It (the Charleston Council) 
was itself inactive for a long time, maintaining its organization, to be sure, and 
administering the rite at home, but very indolently, and not keeping up its corres- 
pondence with foreign bodies ; and it never took the trouble to examine into 
the questions discussed between the Grand Orient and the Supreme Council : 
and when it did take sides, it did so simply by allying itself with the Grand 
Orient.-' 

Here we learn the truth of what we have before stated, viz., 
that the Charleston body was of very little consequence as a 
body, during all the time that De La Motta was employed in 
performing his antics, viz., from 1814 to 1821, at wdiich time, 
says Lamarre, it was revived. In 1813 it consisted of five 
members. Between 1802 and 1822 not a single addition was 
made, and its number had dwindled down to five. In 1822 
four members were admitted, one of whom was the Illustrious 
McCosh. And the revival was doubtless caused by the efforts 
of McCosh through the instructions of his teacher, De La Mot- 
ta, but no acknowledgement took place until the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory had ceased its correspondence, viz., 1829. 



186 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

We will now devote a short space to the examination of the 
two bodies, and point out the differences between them. The 
difference will be evident. 

First, in the " name.''' Thus, the body at Charleston claims to 
have established in 1801, an entire new rite, consisting of 
thirty-three degrees, and has given it the name of the " Ancient 
and Accepted Scottish Rite.'^ They drop all other names, and 
declare this one to be the distinguishing feature of their system. 
It is quite unnecessary for me again to go over the ground, 
showing in what way this new rite is composed, and how it has 
been made up. That we know already. This name has been 
continued up to the present time. 

The body known as the "New York body,^' the " Cerneau 
CouncilJ^ the " Consistory, ^c," called its rite " The Ancient 
Constitutional Scottish Rite of Heredom.'^ This name, and style 
was taken up at the commencement in 1807, and continued, 
without variation, up to 1827, the period of its end, brought 
about by the anti-masonic excitement, as may be proved 
from all the published and written documents, emanating from 
that body, whether Tableaux, Circulars, Warrants, Patents, 
Records, (fee. The rite, like the other, consisted of thirty- 
three degrees, but were somewhat different in their arrange- 
ment, being derived from the Grand Orient of France, and not 
from the Supreme Council of France. It has before been ex- 
plained how the Grand Orient came into the possession of 
them, and how, and by what means the system was completed, 
and made known in 1805, at the rupture with the Supreme 
Council of France, at which time the Grand Orient established 
a Supreme Council of its own. The two degrees known as the 
" Knight of St. Andrew " and " Grand Inquisitor Commander " 
it had and possessed, long before they were known to the 
Charleston body. They were not mentioned by that body, in 
its Schedule or " claim,^' or taken up by them until tbey had 
manufactured their Secret Constitutions, in which they laid 
claim to them, and they were publicly inserted in their Schedule 
by De La Motta, after the year 1814. Up to that time Kadosch 
was numbered as the Twenty-ninth degree, and the Thirtieth, 




SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 187 

Thirty-first and Thirty-second was the Sublime Prince of the 
Koyal Secret. The " Commander of the Temple '^ was in 
possession of the Grand Orient for years before Montmain 
conferred it in Charleston as a detached degree. 

Second, In the government of the bodies. The body at 
Charleston declares itself to be a Supreme Grand Council of 
the Thirty-third and last degree, composed of Sovereign Grand 
Inspectors General, nine in number, which Council is the 
governing body of the whole order, of all Masonic degrees, 
Ancient and Modern. It claims to be a body of the last 
resort, and from whose decisions there is no appeal. 

The body at New York styled itself the " Sovereign Grand 
Consistory J^ It was composed of all the Chiefs of Exalted 
Masonry, Thirty-second and Thirty-third degrees. It was the 
governing body of the rite which it claimed to work, and did 
not meddle with any other. In other words, the name of 
Sovereign Grand Consistory was merely another term for 
*' Orient or East,^^ like the Grand Orients of France, Brazil and 
New Granada. They are Easts which have Supreme Councils 
in their " bosom,^^ as they themselves are pleased to speak. 
All the subordinate bodies are under their control. The 
Consistory conferred no degrees whatever, but occupied pre- 
cisely the same position as Grand Lodges occupy toward their 
subordinate Lodges. The Grand Consistory was vested with 
the sole power of administration and legislation, including that 
of granting Constitutions in all the degrees which appertain 
to Exalted Masonry. 

Third, In the powers granted to, and claimed by the Sove- 
reign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree, in 
their individual capacity. 

The Charleston body declares, that each and every Sove- 
reign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third degree, is 
made so for life, and is a "Sovereign in Masonry'^ in his 
individual capacity, wherever he may be. Hence, he has the 
right to initiate members or to take men who know nothing of 
Masonry, and initiate them into the first three degrees, and so 
on, up to the last or Thirty-third (but not into Tliirty-third). 
Also to inspect the work of all Lodges, Chapters, Colleges and 



188 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Consistories, and to direct the same. Also to constitute Blue 
Lodges, Chapters, Encampments, &c., in the face of any, or all 
other authority, and a variety of other things. They profess 
to be beyond the reach of accusation, trial or discipline, and 
are, in fact, the rulers of all Masonic bodies in their individual 
capacity. The Patents issued by that body contain the follow- 
ing words : "And we hereby authorize, and empower for life, 
our said Illustrious Brother, to Establish, Congregate, Superin- 
tend and Instruct, Lodges, Chapters, Colleges, Consistories 
and Councils, of the Royal and Military Order of Ancient and 
Modern Free Masons, over the surface of the two hemispheres, 
agreeable to the Grand Constitutions.'' They '' waive '' their 
right over the first three degrees, but can take it again when 
they please. 

The New York body declares, that the establishment of a 
Grand Consistory or East absolutely supersedes the individual 
authority of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, in the regu- 
lation and government of the order. As to this degree of 
Sovereign Grand Inspector General, in rank the Thirty-third, 
the laws and regulations direct the manner in which the mem- 
bers, on whom it is conferred, shall be selected. It is a dignity 
granted as the reward of merit and experience. Those who 
are invested with it, do not possess the arbitrary and irrespon- 
sible power, which some, who profess to act under Secret Con- 
stitutions, imagine they are authorized to exercise. This body 
never pretended to have any control over the first three 
degrees. 

Fourth^ The Constitution and Laws which govern them. 

The Charleston body is based upon the Constitution and 
Institutes which have been attributed to Frederick of Prussia, 
said to have been made in 1786, and pretends to retain all the 
rights and immunities therein contained. We do not think it 
necessary to particularize. They are to be found in the Ap- 
pendix—Document 28 and 29. 

The New York body, in common with the Grand Orient of 
France, repudiates that Constitution, the Institutes, the whole 
history relating to Frederick of Prussia, and declares itself to 
be governed by the General Laws and Statutes of Free Mason- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 189 

ry. It denies, in toto, the power of Individual Inspectors to 
initiate Masons, confer deg-rees, establish Lodges, or any other 
matters connected with Masonry, and holds firmly to the doc- 
trine of " derivation,'' without which, no Masonic body, what- 
ever its name or title may be, can be legal or correct. The 
doctrines and laws of the Sovereign Grand Consistory were 
entirely the reverse of those of the Ancient and Accepted Jlite. 
In every act of the Consistory from its very commencement to 
its end in 1827, in every circular it issued, in every Warrant 
it gave, in every power vested, the truth of this assertion will 
be clearly manifest. . 

Dr. Oliver, in writing upon this subject, says : 

" In America, the * hautes grades ' are protected under the authority of one 
Supreme Council, which professes to extend its authority over the two hemis- 
pheres, as they are technically called, comprising, however, only North and 
South America, Terra Firma and the Canary Islands. This Supreme Council 
possesses extensive powers, and delegates to Consistories and to individuals, the 
privilege of forming Lodges, Chapters, Councils, Colleges, Consistories and Grand 
Councils for practicing and admitting candidates to all the degrees of Free 
Masonry, which are known or acknovAedged throughout the whole extent of its 
territorial jurisdiction, and under this ample authority, the ' hautes grades,' to 
an incredible number, are conferred in the Xew World, (meaning the United 
Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere.) 

" It should appear that the Supreme Council of the United States, was con- 
nected with the Rite Ancien of France (Supreme Council), but New York 
possessed a Sovereign Grand Consistory connected with the Grand Orient of 
France, and Brother Joseph Cerneau, a French Mason, held at one and the 
same time, the office of Honorary Member of the Grand Orient, Sovereign 
Grand Commander of the Grand Consistory of New York, and Sovereign 
Grand Commander for life, of the Supreme Council of the United States of 
America." 

Such were the powers claimed then by the Charleston body, 
and such are the powers claimed now, at this present day. 
And all their actions have been in perfect accordance with 
these powers. Leaving without repetition the proceedings of 
Stephen Morin, Frankin, Hayes, Da Costa, Myers, Cohen, 
Long, Bush, Spitzer, Forst and others, we will again refer to 
De La Motta, who used these powers quite as often and as 
boldly as the rest. He initiated all he could find. He exalted 
Sampson Simson, M. L. M. Peixotto, J. J. J. Gourgas, Richard 



190 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Riker and Daniel D. Tompkins, and afterwards declared them 
a Supreme Grand Council for the Northern Jurisdiction, be- 
sides a host of other appointments which it is needless to 
mention. 

Of the history of Abraham Jacobs, and the manner in which 
he received the degrees, the reader is already informed. It ap- 
pears under his own hand, that all the Sublime degrees which 
he ever received, were conferred upon him by individuals, that 
he was never received into any regular body, and all the power 
or authority that he ever had, was this same individual power. 
From 1804 up to the day of his death, he resided in the city of 
New York ; and it is a well known fact, that whenever called 
upon, Jacobs never hesitated to confer the degrees upon all 
who would pay him well for them, holding himself accountable 
to no person, or body of Masons, and infringing upon the laws 
of the Order, as often as he could get a favorable opportunity. 

The reader is referred to the Circular of 1812, and to the 
Patents published in the Appendix, issued by the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory. Let us examine, for a moment, the Patent 
of Brother Seth Driggs. 

Firsts As a member of the Consistory, he is appointed Deputy 
Inspector General for the Island of Trinidad, to the end that 
he may establish in the town " Port of Spain,^^ Island of Trini- 
dad, a Grand Provisional Committee of Sublime Princes of the 
Royal Secret, and will call to his aid all the regular Sublime 
Princes of the Royal Secret in the island, and send to the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory a true account of his proceedings, 
in order to obtain the ratification of the same. The Grand 
Provisional Committee, thus established and governed by 
Brother Driggs, shall then solicit from the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory, a Charter for the establishment of a Sovereign 
Chapter of Princes of Rose Croix, and a Constitutional Patent 
for the establishment of a Grand Council of Sublime Princes 
of the Royal Secret for the said island of Trinidad, and to be 
careful that the Statutes and General Regulations of Exalted 
Masonry, and particularly those of the Sovereign Grand Con- 
sistory, are carefully observed. 

Second, That when the Grand Council of Princes of the 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 191 

Royal Secret shall be so established in the island aforesaid, 
full and absolute poiver shall be concentrated m that body. 

Third, Appoints him to the duty of inspecting the regularity 
of proceedings on all occasions, &c. 

But the Patent of Brother Spofford, of Newburyport, Massa- 
chusetts, is still more decided and clear — 

First, His regular membership with the Consistory is de- 
clared. 

Second, He is clothed with the dignity of Deputy Inspector 
General for the State of Massachusetts. 

Third, He is clothed with full power and authority to ele- 
vate seven Masons (already regularly admitted to the three 
first degrees), whom he shall deem worthy by their virtues and 
their zeal for the Royal Art, to all the degrees of Exalted 
Masonry, from the Fourth degree, or Secret Master, to the 
Thirty-second degree, or Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 
both inclusive, to the end that he may establish in the said 
State, a Grand Provisional Committee of Sublime Princes of 
the Royal Secret, and in doing which he is required to call to 
his aid, all the Sublime Princes in the vicinity thereof, whom 
he shall know to be regular, &c. 

Fourth, That as soon as a Grand Council of Sublime Princes 
of the Royal Secret, in and for the State of Massachusetts, 
shall be established, the individual and absolute power hereby 
abovementioned, vested in our said Brother Spofford, shall 
cease and terminate, and the same authority and power shall be 
and is hereby declared to be transferred, concentrated and 
confined to the aforesaid Grand Council for the State of Massa- 
chusetts. 

Fifth, The right of Inspection of Proceedings and Work is 
given him and made obligatory upon him as a duty. 

Added to these two Patents there are others — also we may 
mention every public circular and manifesto which emanated 
from the Consistory. These quotations are, however, deemed 
sufficient to show what powers were conferred upon Deputy 
Grand Inspectors, how long, and under what conditions they 
continued, and when they ceased. 

The charge so repeatedly brought against Cerneau, viz., 



192 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

that he acted as an individual Inspector and conferred the 
Exalted degrees on persons, and the same charge against the 
body itself, and against individual Inspectors, is entirely dis- 
proved. In all cases where the Sublime degrees were con- 
ferred, tlie applications were made in the proper and constitu- 
tional form, the same were brought before the General Com- 
mittee of Administration, passed upon, and referred to the 
proper bodies for completion. Where the applicants were 
residents, they were invariably obliged to pass through the 
subordinate bodies in regular succession, as in York Masonry, 
and then receive the remaining degrees as prescribed by the 
General Statutes. Where the applicant was a foreigner, or a 
resident abroad, the application passed through the same 
course, and arrangements were completed for the assembling 
of the Consistory on his arrival. But the work itself w^as 
always done by the subordinate bodies in a Constitutional 
manner, and the Diplomas, Patents, Powers, &c., were always 
passed upon, at the meeting of the Sovereign Grand Consis- 
tory, and confirmed. 

The records are full of applications of this kind, together 
with the votes upon the same. In the list of members of the 
United Supreme Council subsequently established, published 
in 1832, wdll be found many of the names which appear on the 
minutes. Those names were copied from the records of the 
Consistory. And we have in our possession the correspon- 
dence of two of the Deputy Inspectors General, residing in 
foreign lands, together with the replies made to their Petitions 
by the Consistory, through their Grand Secretary, Elias 
Hicks, in which he notiiies them that their applications had 
been regularly brought before the body, acted upon, confirmed, 
and requesting to know from them the certain date on which 
they would be present, in order that the Consistory should be 
full, and the members residing at a distance be notified to at- 
tend. So careful was the Consistory in this matter, that in 
one or two cases which occurred in 1825, the applicants were 
disappointed, and were obliged to remain in the city one or 
two weeks, in consequence of the absence of one of the mem- 
bers of the Grand Committee of General Administration. 



SCOTTISH EITB OF HEKEDOM. I93 

Whatever, therefore, may have been asserted by others, con- 
cerning the proceedings of individual Inspectors, as far as it 
relates to the conferring of degrees, is entirely false. None 
of them ever pretended to have any such power themselves, 
and they, as well as all other members of Exalted Masonry, 
who are well informed upon the subject, ever believed that 
any Sovereign Grand Inspector General in his individual 
capacity did not possess the power to do any such work, al- 
ways excepting De La Motta and his coadjutors. They took 
the power and used it, to the disgrace of the Order and them- 
selves. 



CHAPTER EIGHTH. 

FOUNDATION IN NEW YORK OF THE ANCIENT AND 
ACCEPTED RITE. 

1827. Anti-Masonic excitement. — William Morgan. — David C. Miller. — Con- 
vention of Seceding Masons. — A Political move. — Union of the two Grand 
Lodges of the State of New York. — Effects of the Storm. — The exploit of 
J. J. J. Gourgas, and the body at Charleston in 1828. — The establishment 

of the " United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere " in 1832 

Count St. Laurent Proceedings of the Sov .-. Gr.*, Consistory. — Propo- 

■sition for a Union — Treaty between the Sov .-. Gr .-. Consistory and the 
Supreme Council for Terra Firma, South America, Mexico, &c. — Its Rati- 
fication.— Treaty entered into with the Supreme Council for France, Supreme 
• Council for Belgium and Supreme Council for Brazil, with the Constitutions 
of 1762, and the Secret Institutes of 1786 attached. — Dissensions in the 
body. — Lafayette Rose Croix Chapter. — Henry Marsh, Henry C. Atwood 
;and William F. Piatt. — List of Officers of the United Supreme Council. — 
Count St. Laurent returns to France. — Ratification of the Treaty. — Grand 
Lodge of the State of New York in 1837.— The Atwood difficulty.— Par- 
ticulars. — Organization of St. John's Grand Lodge. — Bodies Chartered by 
that Body. — Henry C. Atwood. — Correspondence of the Supreme Council 
of Brazil with the United Supreme Council.— Dissolution of a branch of 
the United Supreme Council in 1846. — The other branch of the Council 
takes its place and succeeds it. — Supreme Council for Louisiana. — James 
Foulhouze. — Extract from the Report to the Grand Orient of France. — 
John Gedge Albert G. Mackey. — Grand Lodge of Louisiana. — L. Lade- 
bats address. — Dissensions in the Supreme Council for Louisiana. — New 
Supreme Council formed there. — The Consistory of J. Gedge. 

The year 1827 was the commencement of a long night in 
Masonry. It was the year in which the Anti-Masonic excite- 
ment broke out, carrying everything before it in its course. It 
swept through the different Northern, Eastern and North- 
western States wit^ great violence and rapidity, and continued 
for a period of ten years without much abatement, subsiding 
altogether about the year 1840. 

To those Masons who were living, and " lived through " these 
dark and trying times to the Order, a mere mention of the 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. . 195 

fact would be sufficient. But as a majority of the Masons now 
living have become connected with the institution, long after 
this excitement had passed away, and was, in a measure, for- 
gotten, we have thought proper to give a short sketch or out- 
line of the matter, that those of the Order who are unac- 
quainted with the particulars of the transaction, may under- 
stand the reason why that name was given, and the cause from 
which it had its origin. 

William Morgan was a native of the State of Virginia, and 
a mason by trade. Having by his industry, accumulated a 
fund sufficient for the purpose, he commenced business as a 
trader, or merchant, in Richmond, in that State. He here 
married his wife, and removed from Virginia in the fall of 
1821, commencing the business of a brewer, near York, in Up- 
per Canada. The destruction of his establishment by fire, re- 
duced him from a comfortable situation to poverty, and ren- 
dered it necessary for him to resume his trade of a mason. 
With that intention, he removed to Rochester in this State, 
where he labored at that business for some time. From 
Rochester he removed to Batavia, in Genesee County, where 
he worked at his trade until a short time before he was carried 
away from his home and family. 

Some time in the year 1826, rumors were heard that Morgan, 
in connection with other persons, was preparing and intended 
to publish, a book which would reveal the secrets of Free 
Masonry ; and that David C. Miller, a printer in the village 
of Batavia, was engaged in putting the work to press. This 
rumor, like all others in which the community at large feel no 
interest, excited no attention from the respectable part of it, 
who supposed that the publication, whatever it might be, was 
intended as a catchpenny production for the supply of pedlers 
and hawkers. It was at last noticed by some of the citizens, 
that an excitement of some kind existed among certain persons 
in the village, in relation to the publication of the book, which, 
it was said, Morgan was engaged in compiling. And it was at 
length openly avowed by a number of persons who were mem- 
bers of the fraternity, that the suppression of the work was 
determined on, at all hazards. A large number of subscribers 



196 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

to Mr. Miller's paper suddenly withdrew their subscriptions : 
numerous suits were commenced against him to enforce the 
payment of small debts, and the collection was prosecuted in 
the manner most calculated to distress and embarrass him. 

On the 9th day of August, 1826, an advertisement was in- 
serted in a paper printed in Canandaigua, warning the com- 
munity against Wm. Morgan as a swindler and a dangerous 
man. This notice and caution was immediately copied into all 
the public papers printed in the Western part of the State. 
At the same time, both Morgan and Miller were industriously 
slandered, and abusive epithets heaped upon them, by a num- 
ber of individuals who alledged no particular crimes against 
them, and with whom they were not known to have had any 
recent connections or collisions whatever, that were apparent 
to the public at large. 

Miller now became fearful for his life, and declared to his 
friends that he was alarmed for his personal safety — that he 
feared an attack upon his office, and took measures to defend 
himself against secret or open violence. 

On the 25th of July, 1826, Morgan was committed to the 
custody of the Sheriff of the County of Genesee, and gave bail 
for jail limits. On the 19th of August, 1826, Morgan was 
seized with violence and taken at once to the County jail, 
without allowing him time or opportunity to procure other 
bail. In the month of September he was seized under feigned 
process of law, in the day time, in the village of Batavia, and 
forcibly carried to Canandaigua in another County. Con- 
cerning the contemplated publication, it was known, that meet- 
ings of delegates from the different Lodges in the Western 
Counties were held, to devise means for most effectually pre- 
venting the publication ; that the matter was a subject of 
anxious discussion in many and distant Lodges ; that the 
zealous members of the fraternity were angry, excited and 
alarmed, and threw out dark and desperate threats. 

They took Morgan to Canandaigua — after a mock trial he 
was discharged, but was immediately arrested and committed 
to prison on a fictitious demand. The next night, in the ab- 
sence of the jailor, he was released from prison by the pre- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 197 

tended friendship of a Mason. Upon leaving the prison he 
was again seized in the streets of Canandaigua, and notwith- 
standing his cries of " murder,^^ he was thrust with ruffian 
violence into a carriage, and was forcibly carried, by relays 
of horses, through a thickly populated country, in the space of 
a little more than twenty-four hours, to the distance of one 
hundred and fifteen miles, and secured a prisoner in the maga- 
zine of Fort Niagara. Here all traces of him are lost. He 
has never been heard from since, except from the confessions 
of those who have turned '" States evide7ice" and they say he 
was murdered. Such appears to be the general opinion of the 
public. 

This is a simple relation of the facts as they stand recorded, 
as far as William Morgan is concerned, contained in as few 
words as can be written. And this forms the basis of the 
Anti-Masonic excitement. 

In the first part of these troubles the public mind was occu- 
pied in the search for Morgan, for his abductors, &c. Failing 
of success, they turned to the Courts of Law, and appealed to 
the Legislature of the State. A special Council was appointed 
by the latter body, with full powder to investigate ; mauy per- 
sons were arrested and tried, &c., but all efforts to elicit reli- 
able testimony, or to convict, proved fruitless. This part of 
the business was given up as hopeless labor. 

But the matter now began to assume a new complexion. The 
conviction became general among the people, that the safety 
of the government and religion, the rights of the citizen, and 
the impartial administration of justice, required that this insti- 
tution should be banished from our soil. Under this conviction 
the people began, publicly and freely, to discuss the matter ; 
meetings were held throughout the Western Counties of the 
State ; Conventions called ; the excitement spread like wildfire 
throughout our own State, Vermont, Massachusetts, New 
Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, and ultimately 
through Pennsylvania and the Western States. 

The first Convention called, was by the " Saratoga Baptist 
Association,^' and was held at Milton, Septeniber 12th, 1827. 
It was largely attended, and " reasons " to the number of fifteen 



198 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

were passed, or adopted, for " dis-fellowshipping Free Mason 
rjJ^ The effect of this Convention was great. All, of this 
particular denomination, throughout the States beforemen- 
tioned, ultimately adopted these ^' reasons J^ and made it a 
standing rule in their churches — 

First, To excommunicate, or " dis-fellowship '^ every member 
who was a Free Mason, and v^ould not " renounce " the Order. 

Second, To refuse candidates for admission to the church 
who were Masons and would not renounce, and 

Third, To turn out every member who became a Mason. 

A General Convention of " Seceding Masons '' was held 
at Le Roy, February 19th, 1828, and July 4th, same year. In 
this Convention there were a very large number of the Bap- 
tist denomination, as might have been expected, and the 
notorious Solomon Southwick was Chairman thereof. Twelve 
of the Western Counties were represented. Among the 
names of the Representatives are to be found Millard Filmore, 
Henry E. Davies, Bates Cook, Thurlow Weed, Frederick 
Whittlesey, James K. Livingston, and many others, equally 
renowned. 

The result of the adjourned Convention in July, was the 
nomination of candidates for the offices of Governor and 
Lieut. Governor for the State. Thus it will be seen, that in 
less than two years, all the indignation manifested by the 
people, on account of Morgan's murder, had been forgotten, 
and the whole excitement ultimated in a grand political move- 
ment on the Anti-Masonic basis — or a party with but one idea. 
Eventually, all the States before mentioned became partizans 
in the same political movement, and a candidate was nomina- 
ted by them for the Presidency, and defeated. 

In the Eastern States, particularly Massachusetts, Yermont 
and Rliode Island, legislative enactments were passed, making 
the administration of " extrajudicial oaths " a penal offence. As 
a natural consequence of such laws, all Masonic meetings in 
the Eastern States came to an end. In Connecticut that law 
was not passed, but the effect was the same, one Lodge only 
continuing its stated meetings, more as a matter of form, than 
for the purpose of doing work. 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 199 

In Pennsylvania, Ohio, and others of the Western States, 
although no legislative enactments were passed, the Anti-Ma- 
sonic feeling prevailed with great intensity, and as it soon 
shaped itself into political matters, the party under its banner 
became powerful, and for a short time, carried all before it. 
The history of our country does not refer to any period of its 
existence, when "public frenzy was so high, or infatuation so 
general." 

In the State of New York, the Legislature had been 
petitioned in 1828, for the passage of a law concerning extra 
judicial oaths, much the same as that passed by the Eastern 
States. But the law was not passed. In the mean time, Gid- 
dings, into whose custody Morgan was traced, immediately 
renounced Masonry, and expiated the crime of participation in 
the abduction, by disclosing all he knew of the part acted by 
others, and as much as he pleased of that acted by himself, but 
has never disclosed what was the fate of Morgan, after he was 
left in his custody at the fort. 

Meetings were now called, and generally attended, and by 
this time the excitement had risen to a high pitch. " Dema- 
gogues and broken-down politicians now saw the affair was 
ripe for their use, and they accordingly took it in keeping." 
The Masonic fraternity were denounced as murderers and 
traitors to their country, and every Anti-Mason, from Myron 
Holley down to Thurlow Weed, with William H. Seward 
(then Weed's young protege) became regenerated from moral 
and political transgression, and were stamped as pure patriots. 

'' Bigots in the church now laid hold of it, to advance their cause and 
strengthen their power. Masonic members, who had ever walked worthy of 
their high vocation were excommunicated, unless they would renounce. Min- 
isters, against whom the breath of slander had never been heard, were Sis- 
missed, churches divided, and the members scattered. All who felt it their 
duty to live in peace with all men, to seek the spiritual welfare of mankind, 
and not to engage in party strifes, were excommunicated ; and none but those 
who could roll forth the thunders and pour out the vials of wrath on their 
flocks, were allowed to minister at the Altar of Peace. 

" Miller, from a poor, degraded, abandoned profligate, by means of the ex- 
citement, had become Clerk of the County Court. — Tracy had got a seat in 
the legislature ; Spencer, Special Council ; Thurlow Weed, a standing wit- 



200 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

ness, and Solomon Southwick the privilege of running for Governor. Nor- 
thon, another of the leaders, had got a snug seat in Congress, &c. Such suc- 
cess did blue light Federals and worn out politicians have in New York, in 
riding on the excitement into office, that they now began to use it as an article 
of export, and it was more or less extensively spread in several of the States. 
It denounced first the system, and then the men, as unfit for office, and unwor- 
thy of any countenance. It not only denounced the men, but also denounced 
all that would not denounce them. New York set the example, and some dis- 
appointed office seekers in Pennsylvania closely followed. At what was 
termed a ' State Convention ' at Harrisburg, in an address to the public, they 
said, * It will not be sufficient to withhold public favor from Free Masons 
alone — all their partizans should receive the same measure of justice. They 
have even less claims upon public favor than the sworn Fraternity themselves. 
Timid and time serving neutrality is more degrading to its votaries, and more 
dangerous to the public, than open and magnanimous error." 

It was not our intention, when we commenced to write a 
short sketch concerning the Anti-Masonic excitement, to go 
into any detail, as that would take up too much space, and 
perhaps be entirely out of place. We shall therefore show 
*' what effects " this excitement produced upon the institution 
of Masonry, in our own State and elsewhere. 

The Grand Lodge of the State, a divided body from the 
year 1823, seeing the storm approaching, settled all their diffi- 
culties and united in one body, in the month of June, 1827. 
Perhaps the Anti-masonic excitement had as much to do in 
bringing the two bodies together as /any other cause. They 
were drawn together by a desire for mutual protection, against 
the assaults of heartless bigots and madmen. But still the 
storm swept with great violence over the State. The Grand 
Lodge, in her June communication, registered over four 
hundred working Lodges in the State. But before the end 
of that year, every Lodge, with the exception of two in 
the city of New York, had ceased working. These exceptions 
were Lodge L' Union Frangais, (French language,) and Ger- 
man Union, (German language.) Most of the Lodges surren- 
dered their properties and Warrants to the Grand Lodge, and 
became extinct. The Chapters and Encampments followed, 
and by the end of the year 1827, not a Masonic body was to 
be found. We regret to be obliged to say, that the bare name 
of a Free Mason had become dangerous to a man's reputation, 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 201 

and those who had before borne a high character among the 
Fraternity, turned their backs upon the Order — were ashamed 
of its fellowship or acknowledgement, and left it to its fate. 
Not so with all, for there was left, through all those dark 
years of the Institution, a Spartan band, who never shrank 
from danger, but maintained their position and kept on until 
the cloud was past. In the Western part of the State, the" 
effects of the excitement were terrible in the extreme. Church 
members were excommunicated, property was destroyed, busi- 
ness ruined, employees discharged and left without the means 
of subsistence, the peace of families broken up, and worthy 
members of society driven forth, to find a new resting place 
among society where the blighting influence of this excitement 
was not felt. We have already mentioned that the meetings 
of the Sovereign Grand Consistory came to an end in Novem- 
ber of this year, the cause of which is fully set forth in the 
above relation. Like the rest of the Masonic bodies, the Con- 
sistory itself came to an end. 

This dark night of Masonry continued until about the year 
1837, when the light again began to dawn, and by the year 
ISttO had risen upon tlie Institution. There are some interest- 
ing circumstances occurring during this period, and connected 
with the history to which we now shall direct the attention of 
the reader, and 

First, The proceedings of J. J. J. Gourgas, Grand Secretary 
General of the De La Motta body. It will be remembered that 
De La Motta instituted, what he called a Supreme Council in 
New York, in 1813, and of this Supreme Council Gourgas was 
Grand Secretary, and its leading spirit. Also, that this body 
became extinct a very short time after its formation, and its 
members were scattered abroad, so that by the year 1818, 
nothing more was heard of it. But Gourgas had not forgotten 
it. Acting upon the doctrine promulgated by the Charleston 
body, " that a Supreme Grand Council of the Thirty-third, once 
constitutionally established, is always considered in existence 
while a single member of that body remains alive, and that a 
lawful Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third, 
once appointed, is so 'for life' " he took advantage of this 



202 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

doctrine, and finding that Masonry in the Northern section of 
the country was extinct — that there were no Lodges, Chapters, 
Encampments or Councils in active operation, or likely to be 
in some years to come, he at once set himself to work and con- 
cocted the scheme in his bed chamber, of tricking the Grand 
Orient of France into an acknowledgement of his so-called Su- 
preme Council, over the Consistory of Cerneau, which, in con- 
sequence of its overthrow, had ceased its correspondence. 

In an extract from Oliver's Landmarks, (Yol. 2, page 70), it 
appears that in the statement of the document sent to Paris in 
1827, to secure the acknowledgement of the Grand Orient, the 
author has made it to appear, and by it, they were led to be- 
lieve, that the Charleston Council and the Gourgas Council at 
New York were but one Council, styling themselves the " Su-« 
premE Council of America," and that the Grand Orient did 
believe, that they really did constitute the Supreme Council of 
America. This document was sent slyly, and was deposited in 
the letter box of the Grand Orient, with the remark written 
on the outside — " deposited by one who does not wish to he known 
in the transaction.^' Gourgas well knew that the Masonic 
bodies of the North were out of existence, and that there was 
no one to gainsay or contradict the falsehood which he was 
instrumental in forwarding to France. That there was no one 
to stand up and declare that the Gourgas body had been extinct 
for nearly ten years before that document was penned, and that 
the connecting of the Charleston body with the Gourgas body 
was a naked falsehood, because there was no such body as the 
latter in existence. 

Hence, in 1829, the Gourgas Council appeared in the annuals 
of the Grand Orient, and the Charleston Council in the year 
1830. The letter addressed by Gourgas declared his Council 
to be in existence, and Supreme. The Grand Orient, supposing 
it to be a true document, and being altogether ignorant of the 
circumstances which led to the downfall of the Masonic institu- 
tion, gave the acknowledgement and opened a correspondence 
with Gourgas who, like his predecessor, tutor and bosom friend, 
Emanuel De La Motta, was Grand Commander, Grand Secre- 
tary, Grand Treasurer, Grand Keeper of the Seals, together 



SCOTTISH KITE OF HEREDOM. 203 

with all the other small offices contained in the vocabulary, 
there being no one but himself to fill them all. This corres- 
pondence, although a deception, was industriously kept up. 
Having gained this point it rested there, as nothing whatever 
was done in Masonry for many years afterward. 

Nevertheless, the sequel will presently show that this smart 
transaction did not fully accomplish their designs. For when 
the affair came to the knowledge of the Supreme Council of 
France, it moved them to take the matter up. They averred 
that they had been tricked out of a correspondence which they 
judged belonged of right to themselves, whereupon they at 
once voluntarily entered into a correspondence with the Su- 
preme Grand Council, United States of America, by the hands 
of the Count St. Laurent, stated the whole matter, and 
solicited a connection with that body. On the arrival in New 
York city of the Count, it will be presently seen that the Su- 
preme Grand Council was convened, the despatches which 
were in his possession were laid before them, the union of the 
Council for Terra Firma, New Spain, &c., with the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory was consummated, the United Supreme 
Council for the Western Hemisphere was proclaimed, and a 
Treaty of Union and Friendship was entered into by the 
four bodies, viz., the United Supreme Council for the Western 
Hemisphere, the Supreme Council of France, the Supreme 
Council of Belgium, and the Supreme Council of Brazil. The 
Marquis de Lafayette was immediately appointed, and pro- 
claimed Representative near the Supreme Council of France, 
and continued so until 1834, when he died, and was succeeded 
by the Count St. Laurent. See pages 94 and 95, Extract 
from Dr. Oliver. 

Second, The establishment of a ^^ Supreme Council^' of the 
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, in the year 1832, under 
the definitive title of the " United Supreme Council for the 
Western Hemispheres^ 

The year 1832 was one of the darkest for Masonic under- 
takings, that can be remembered. The Anti-Masonic excite- 
ment was at its height, and the city was depopulated, partly 
by the fear of the pestilence, and partly by the pestilence itself. 



204 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

It seemed at that time a strange thing, that any attempt should 
be made, just then, to gather together the scattered fragments 
of the ruins of our ancient temple. Ragon says, concerning 
this attempt : 

" In 1832, there arrived in New York city, the man of many names and 
titles, the Count St. Laurent, who took upon himself the title of Most Puissant 
Sovereign Grand Commander, ad vitarn, of the Supreme Grand Council of the 
Thirty-third degree, Supreme Chief of Ancient and Modern Free Masonry, 
for Newfoundland, North America, Mexico on both seas, the Canary Islands, 
&c. He found the old Supreme Council sleeping, in consequence of political 
and Masonic troubles, and he set himself to work to resuscitate it again. He 
searched around for the old surviving members, and finally succeeded in organ- 
izing the body with the 111 .*. Bro .-. Elias Hicks as Grand Commander. He 
fixed the name of the body as the ' United Supreme Council,' and intended that 
it should embrace all the Councils in the United States. He called to its aid 
all the Scottish Masons in America. This new body, composed of all the living 
members they could find, published and put forth a manifesto, in which it ex- 
plained in full its motives for the new organization. It contained a Treaty of 
Union, in sixteen articles, dated April 5th, 1832, and also a profession of its 
principles, of which the principal dogmas were, the independence of all Masonic 
rites, and Masonic toleration. This Supreme Council prospered for a while, 
but owing partly to the tone of public feeling, and partly to some dissatisfac- 
tion among themselves, in about two years or a little more its action ceased. 
At the end of this period the Count St. Laurent went to France." 

The whole of this quotation, although very general, is true 
to the letter. 

Dr. Oliver also remarks : 

" It should appear that the Supreme Council of the United States was con- 
nected with the Rite Ancien of France, but New York possessed a Sovereign 
Grand Consistory, connected with the Grand Orient of France, and Brother 
Joseph Cerneau, a French Mason, held at one and the same time, the offices of 
' Honorary Member of the Grand Orient of 'France,' 'Sovereign Grand Com- 
mander of the Grand Consistory of New York,' and * Sovereign Grand Com- 
mander for Life of the Supreme Council of the United States of America.' 
This authority was confirmed in 1832 by a solemn treaty between Elias Hicks, 
Sovereign Grand Commander, Marquis Sant Angelo, Lieut. Grand Comman- 
der, and George Smith, Grand Secretary General to the Supreme Council of 
North America, and the Count St. Laurent, Sovereign Grand Commander for 
the Supreme Council of South America, Terra Firma and the Canary Islands. 

*' It was agreed that the style of every document issued by this Supreme 
Council should be as follows : T. T. G. 0. T. S. A. 0. T. U. Deus 
Meumque Jus. Ordo ab Chao. From the East of the World, and of the 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 205 

Grand and United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere, of the Most 
Powerful Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third and last de- 
gree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Sublime Chiefs of the Royal 
and Military Order of Ancient and Modern Free Masonry over the two hem- 
ispheres, duly and lawfully established and congregated under the Celestial 
Canopy, &c. This treaty was ratified in the Golden Book of the Order." 

So much for the fact. It will not be forgotten' that the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory, established by Brother Cerneau 
in the year 1807, set up this name and form of government 
under the definitive title of " The Trinity " — that it existed 
under it for a period of twenty years — and in 1827, owing to 
unfortunate circumstances over which it had no control, it 
ceased. That the laws by which it was governed were entirely 
different from those of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, and 
that the powers of the officers of the Consistory were defined. 
The reader will therefore understand, that we consider this the 
first establishment by that body, of the Ancient and Accepted 
Kite. 

As a proof that this assertion is correct, the following ex- 
tract from the Eeport made to the Committee at the Union 
and Amalgamation of the Supreme Council of Terra Firma, 
with the Supreme Council of the United States of America is 
given : 

" Second, That the proposed Union and Amalgamation would prevent in 
future any of those fatal schisms of which the Supreme Council of the United 
States, &c., has of itself involuntarily most deeply sown the seeds by constitut- 
ing in South America, or by authorizing Mr. Cerneau to constitute in that 
quarter several Masonic bodies, that could receive no regular Constitution 
but from the legitimate power, long previously established for those countries ; 
and that they would not fail to avail themselves of those Constitutions, to resist 
and oppose any useful inspections and legitimate acts of the M .-. P .-. Sov .*. 
Gr .-. Commander, [ad vitam,) his Deputies, or Supreme Council within whose 
territorial jurisdiction they are established. — Page 5, Report, 1832. 

There was no Supreme Council in existence at that time in 
the Northern section of the country, and when the Count St. 
Laurent made his appearance fully clothed with power, not to 
establish a new body, but to raise up the old one in a new 
dress ; in the language of Ragon, he searched around for the 
old surviving members, and finally succeeded in organizing the 



206 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

body, not taking the office of Commander himself, but placing 
there Ellas Hicks as Grand Commander, and making up the 
body with all the old members, as will readily be seen by refer- 
ring to the list, (Appendix, Document 27.) A full account is 
there given, and it may be said with truth, that it contained 
not a single new member, except himself. It was virtually the 
old Consistory under a new name. 

Let us now examine the facts connected with the resuscita- 
tion of the Sovereign Grand Consistory. We have before 
stated that it had become extinct in 1827, and we meant to be 
understood by this expression, that in common with all other 
Masonic bodies, it was swept out of existence by the storm 
then raging throughout the Northern section of the land. 

The death of Hon. Bewitt Clinton, Sovereign Grand Com- 
mander, took place in 1828, and Brother Elias Hicks, then 
Lieut. Grand Commander succeeded to the vacancy. Circum- 
stances of an important character, which occurred in 1831, 
drew the members of the body again together. The following 
extracts from the proceedings will be interesting : 



" Extract from the Golden Book of the Ancient Supreme Council of Grand 
Inspectors General, Thirty-third degree, for the United States of America, 
their Territories and Dependencies. 

Ordo ah Chao, 

SITTING OF THE m DAY OF THE 12th 1. M., A. L., mi 

(FEBRUARY, 1832.) 

" The Supreme Council of the P. S. G. I. G., Thirty- third and last degree 
of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Kite of Heredom, for the United States 
of America, its Territories and Dependencies, sitting at the vertical point of 
the Zenith, corresponding to the 40th deg., 41 min., North Latitude, and 3 
deg., 1 min., 13 sec, East Longitude from Washington City, was extraordi- 
narily assembled on this day, near the B. B., by order and under the Presiden- 
cy of the M. P. Sov. Gr. Com., [ad vitam) the M. 111. Bro. Elias Hidk 

" The labors commenced with the usual solemnities, the proceedings of the 
former sitting were read and sanctioned by the Supreme Council, and signed 
by the M. P. Sov. Gr. Commander ; the M. 111. Lieut. Gr. Com. and by the 
111. Gr. Sec'y of the H. E. 

" The M. P. Sov. Gr. Com. read to the Supreme Council a despatch ad- 
dressed to him under date of the 2d day of the 3d M. Month, A. L., 5830, by 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 207 

the ' Supreme Council of France,' by which T. M. 111. Bro. Count de St. Lau- 
rent had made an authentic translation, which was therefore annexed ; also a 
file of printed documents relating to the transactions of that body. 

" The reading of these documents was listened to with the greatest attention, 
and the important fact which the said despatch revealed to the Supreme Coun- 
cil of the United States, &c., caused among the members the most serious re- 
flections. (See page 95.) 

"The subject was forthwith taken into consideration, and the Supreme 
Council unanimously decided that a Committee should be appointed by the 
M. P. S. Gr. Com. for the purpose of collecting information from the Archives, 
and preparing a reply to the Supreme Council of France, testifying its desire 
to entertain continually with them the most friendly and regular communica- 
tions, and also to tender our kind regards for the attentions shown to us in the 
transmission of those printed works. 

" The Supreme Council resolved, that the mentioned despatch and the 
printed works accompanying it, be deposited in the Archives. 

" In conformity with these Resolutions, the M. P. Sov. Gr. Com. named 
the M, III. Bro., the Marquis de Sani Angelo to assist him in the said researches, 
and collating the facts for the reply to the Supreme Council of France. 

" T. M. III. Bro., the Marquis de Sant Angelo, communicated to the Supreme 
Council a despatch from the P. Sov. Gr. Com., the Count de St. Laurent, by 
which he proposed to the Supreme Council for the United States of America, 
&c., to unite with them by a Treaty, of which he, at the same time, proposed 
the basis, and of which the object is the union of the two Powers, and of the 
Ancient Supreme Council of Mexico, already united to that of Terra Firma, 
South America, &c., in one self same Dogmatical and Administrative power 
of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for every portion of America, com- 
posing their respective jurisdictions, and the Canary Islands. 

This proposition developed by the M. 111. Bro., the Marquis de Sant Angelo, 
was unanimously agreed to, and the Supreme Council resolved, that the M. P. 
Sov. Gr. Com. shall appoint a Committee of three members, to whom the 
necessary full powers shall be given to treat as Commissioners on behalf of the 
Supreme Council, with those of the Supreme Council of Terra Firma, &c., 
whom the M. III. and M. P. Bro. Count de Saint Laurent, shall designate to 
stipulate, make and sign the said Treaty. 

" According to this resolution, the M. P. Sov. Gr. Com. appointed as mem- 
bers of the said Committee, T. M. 111. Bro. Jonathan Schieffelin, 1st Lieut. 
Gr. Com.: T. M. 111. Bro. 0. de A. Marquis de Sant Angelo, Sov. Gr. Ins. 
Gen., and the M. 111. Bro. George Smitli, Gr. Sec. of the H. E., to whom all 
due and full powers were given to fulfil their mission. 

*' Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be fraternally directed to the M. 
111. Bro., the Count de St. Laurent. 

'' The work of the day being terminated, the present record of the Supreme 



208 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Council was inserted in the Golden Book, read, approved, and signed at the 

same time, and the sitting closed with the usual solemnity. 

" Made, signed and sealed this 23d day of the I2th Masonic month, A. L., 

5831. 

Elias Hicks, Sov. Gr. Commander, {ad vitam,) 
Jonathan Schiepfelin, 1st Lieut. Gr. Commander, 
George Smith, Gr. Secretary of the H. E. 



COPY 

OF THE 



kbm d % CainmbsiaHtrs/' 



Ordo ah Chao. 

" From the E. of the W. of the Supreme Council of Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen., 
Thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for 
the United States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, sitting un- 
der the C. C. at the vertical point of the Zenith, corresponding to the 40th 
deg., 41 rain., North Latitude, and 3 deg., 1 min., 13 sec, East Longitude 
from Washington City. 



IBtVLH ^tnmqut Sus. 



" To our M. P. Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen., Thirty-third degree. Most Yaliant and 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, Knights of Kadosch, Illustrious Princes 
and Knights, Grand, Elect, Inefiable and Sublime Masons of all degrees, 
Ancient and Modern, over the surface of the two hemispheres. 

To all those to whom these letters of Credence shall appear, and may concern: 

UNION, 
HEALTH, POWER. 

" Know ye, that having received an official proposition, dated the fourteenth 
day of the present month, from our M. 111. and P. Bro., the Count de St. 
Laurent, Gr. Com. (^ad vitam,) of the Supreme Council, Thirty-third degree, 
for Terra Firma, New Spain, South America, Porto Rico, Canary Islands, 
&c., &c., tending to unite by a solemn Treaty, that Do"-matical and Adminis- 
trative body, including all its subordinate sections, with the Supreme Council 
of the United States of America, its Territories and Dependencies, including 
all its subordinate sections, and hereby to consolidate and increase the power 
and prosperity of our Sublime Order, and more particularly the safety and 
welfare of our brethren throughout the whole world, and especially of our hem- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 209 

isphere, aud having appointed Commissioners with full and ample powers to 
arrange and regulate all matters and things touching aud concerning the said 
Treaty : 

And whereas, we, the undersigned. M. P. Sov. Gr. Commander, and Sov. 
Gr. Ins. Gen., Thirty-third degree, duly and lawfully congregated, cheerfully 
reciprocate in the laudable proposition of our M. 111. Breathe M. P. Sov. 
Gr. Com. {ad vitam) of South America, &c., have appointed our M. 111. 
Brethren Jonathan Schieffelin, Gr. Ins. Gen. ; 1st Lieut. Gr. Com. 0. de A. 
Marquis de Sant Angela, Gr. Ins. Gen., and George Smith, Gr. Ins. Gen. and 
Gr. Sec. of the H, E., to meet in Convention with the Commissioners which 
our aforesaid M. 111. and M. P. Brother of South America shall judge proper 
to appoint, and thereby upon exchanging their powers, to arrange, regulate and 
establish all such matters and things concerning the said union of the two Sub- 
lime bodies with full and ample power to conclude such a connection or 
treaty, reserving to ourselves the ratification thereof. 

" To which letters of credence we have hereunto subscribed our names, and 
affixed thereto the Grand Seal of our Sublime Order, in open Council, near the 
B. B., under the C. C, this 23d day of the 12th M. Month, Anno Lucis, 5831 ; 
{Vulgo,) 23d of February, Anno Domni, 1831. 
Signed, 
^^^■'^^ Elias Hicks, P. Sov. Gr. Com., {ad vitam,) 

\ ) Jonathan Schieffelin, 1st Lieut. Gr. Com., 

I ' C O. DE A. Marquis de Sant Angelo, 33d, 

v_Y-^ George Smith, Gr. Sec. of the H. E." 

" The Committees named as above, after friendly explanations 
mutually interchanged between them, being fully convinced 
the two powers being of the same rite, and same degree, hav- 
ing a like doctrine, being equally animated with a desire of 
attaining the object of their institutions, and both present, 
both willing to contract, both authorized so to do for the 
greatest possible interest of the Order, and especially that 
of our Sublime Rite, as well as for the benefit and security 
of the faithful brethren who observe its rules ; unanimously 
acknowledged, agreed and Resolved, that a Treaty may be 
concluded without violating that principle, which is the great 
" Palladium '"'" of the freedom and independence of all Masonic 
Rites, viz. : " 

" That no Dogmatic power of any Rite, can unite or amalgamate itself, by 
any means whatever, with any other Administrative or Dogmatic Power of 
any other Rite, nor even consent to become a part of, or dependent upon it, 
without violating the letter and spirit of the fundamental laws of the Order, 
without renouncing the object of its establishment, without forfeiting, ab ipso 



210 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

facto, its Supreme character, and ceasing to be a Power, or even a part of any 
Bite." 

Concluded on the 5tli day of the 2d month, A. L., 5832, a 
Treaty of Union and Amalgamation, of which the following is 
a verbatim copy : (See Appendix, Document 28, Part First.) 

'' Extract from the Records of the last sitting of the Supreme Council of the 

United States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, sitting 

on the VSth day of the second month, Anno Lucis, 5832. 

" By order of the M. P. Sov. Gr. Commander, the Supreme Council was 
this day extraordinarily and regularly assembled near the B. B., under the 
vertical point of the Zenith, corresponding to the 40th deg., 41 min.. North 
Latitude, and 3 deg., 1 min., 13 sec. East Longitude, from Washington City. 

" The proceedings of the sitting of the 23d day of the 12th M. M., having 
been inserted in the Golden Book, were read anew, sanctioned and signed. 

" T. M. 111. members of the Committee named in that sitting for the purpose 
of concluding with the Commissioners named on the part of the M. P. Sov. 
Gr. Com. of the Supreme Council for Terra Firma, &c., a Treaty of Union and 
Amalgamation mentioned therein, made a report of the proceedings of the two 
united Committees, and the result of their conference, &c. 

" On the proposition made by the M. P. Sov. Gr. Com., the Supreme Coun- 
cil resolved to ratify this treaty and the thirteen points of our Ancient doc- 
trines which are anew consecrated by it, so soon as they are ratified by the 
M. P. Sov. Gr. Cora, of the Supreme Council of Terra Firma, &c. 

" A grand deputation was forthwith named to transmit fo him this decision, 
and to invite him in the name of the Supreme Council to honor the present 
sitting with his presence. 

"The deputation proceeded to the fulfilment of its mission, and after a 
short absence returned, conducting the M. P. Bro. Count de St. Laurent, G. 
Com. {ad vitamc.) of the Supreme Council for Terra Firma, South America, 
Mexico, or New Spain, &c., &c., (from one sea to the other) Porto Bico, the 
Canary Islands, &c., &c., of the P. Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. Thirty-third and last 
degree, of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Bite, accompanied by several 
members of his Supreme Council present in this Orient. 

" He declared himself ready to ratify the Treaty, and particularly the thir- 
teen special points of our Ancient doctrine which are anew consecrated by it. 
He signed it, and caused it to be countersigned ; returned it to the M. P. Sov. 
Gr. Com. [ad viiam) of the Supreme Council who, after having declared that 
the Supreme Council for the United States of America, &c., had sanctioned 
and ratified the said Treaty, signed it, and caused it to be signed by the Grand 
Dignitaries, and countersigned and sealed by the Gr. Sec. of the H. E. A 
simultaneous exchange of the Batifications, &c., was made by the two 111. and 
P. Colleagues. 

T. M. P. Sov. Gr. Com. {ad vitam) Count de St. Laurent, then said : In 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 211 

virtue of the extraordinary powers with which I have been invested by the 
Supreme Council of P. Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. of the Thirty-third and last degree 
of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for Terra Firma, South America, 
Mexico or Xew Spain, &c., (from one sea to the other) the Canary Islands, 
Porto Rico, <fcc., by their decree of the 26th day of the 3d month named Sivan, 
in the year 5802, and in conformity with the sacred compact we have just rati- 
fied, I declare that that Supreme Council has forever ceased to exist under that 
Title, and that it is united forever to the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third 
degree, for the United States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, 
under the title which this Treaty confers on them, to work only and be known 
by that collective title ; I now resign the power of Grand Commander that 
was conferred on me. 

" T. M. 111. Bro. Elias Hicks, being from this moment the Grand Commander 
{ad vitam) of the Union, I recognize and proclaim him as such according to 
the treaty. 

" T. M. P. Sov. Gr. Com. [ad vitam) Elias Hicks, then said : In virtue of 
the powers on me conferred, and in conformity with the stipulations of the 
treaty just ratified, I declare and proclaim, That the Supreme Council for the 
United States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, of the P. Sov. 
Gr. Ins. Gen., Thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scot- 
tish Rite, has ceased to exist under that title, and that, united forever to the 
Supreme Council for Terra Firma, South America, New Spain, &c., (from the 
one sea to the other) the Canary Islands, Porto Rico, &c., it takes from this 
moment the collective title conferred by the second article of the said Treaty ; 
and that it will work and be known only by that title. 

" I recognize and proclaim the M. 111. Bro., the Count de St. Laurent, M. 
P. Sov. Ass. Gr. Com. {ad vitam) of the new United Supreme Council. 

" The 111. Bro. Gr. Sec'y then read the minutes of the proceedings of 
that meeting, which is appoved, and the M. P. Sov. Gr. Com. said : The 
labors of the Supreme Council of the United States of America, &c., are for- 
ever closed under that title. 

" The Golden Book was then terminated by this final record of proceedings, 
being signed and sealed in due form. 

" Elias Hicks, M. P. Sov. Gr. Com., {ad vitam) 

De St. Laurent, M. P. Sov. Ass. Gr. Com. {ad vitam) 

Jonathan Schieffelin, 1st Lieut. Gr. Com., 

Lorenzo De Zavatj^a, 33d deg., 

John Telfair, 33d deg., 

0. DE A. Marquis de Sant Angelo, 33d deg., 

Lucas Ugarte, 33d deg., 

J. ;Melani Sussarelli, 33d deg., Gr. Sec. C. {ad hoc) 

M. Velasquez de la Cadena, 33d deg., G. K. of the A., 

George Smith, 33d deg., G. S. of the S. C. 

[L. S.] 



212 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

" Extract from the Golden Book of the ' United Supreme Council of tJw 
Western Hemisphere.' 

T. T. G. O. T, G. A. O. T. U. 

Ordo ah Vha&, 

" The United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere, was duly and 
lawfully assembled on the 13th day of the 2d month, Anno Lucis, 5832, at the 
Orient of the city of New York, in the United States of America. 

" The labors of both the beforementioned bodies were declared to be, from 
this time, forever closed, and the ceremony of Installation of the ' United Su- 
preme Council ' forthwith proceeded in. 

(For a full list of OfBcers then installed, see Document No. 27.) 
^' The Sov. and Ass. Sov. Gr. Commanders, the Officers installed, and all the 
Grand Ins. Gen. present, renewed the obligations of their rank, swore fidelity 
to the United Supreme Council, and submission to its rules and decrees. All 
absent Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. and Sublime Princes should be admitted to seats in 
their respective bodies by taking and subscribing the usual obligations. 

" The Golden Book of the United Supreme Council was then regularly 
opened, paged and numbered by the M. P. Sov. Gr. Com., the Ass. Sov. Gr. 
Com. and the 111. Bro. Isfc Lieut. Gr. Com. ; countersigned by the M. III. 
Bro. Grand Secretary. 

Btun Mtnmnut Jus. 



J Seal of the 1 f Seal of the 1 

1 United Sup. Council, j j Consistory, 32d. | 



Signed hj all Officers, j ^s^^f 



The Treaty of Union and Amalgamation will be found in 
full in the Appendix, Part First, Document No. 28, and the 
" Thirteen Special Points " in Part Second of the same Docu- 
ment, prefacing the Treaty of 1834. 

By perusing the foregoing extracts, it will be •perceived that 
the " old Consistory " and the Supreme Council of Terra Firma, 
New Spain, &c., ceased their existence, and by the Treaty of 
Union and Amalgamation entered into by those bodies, a new 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 213 

body came into being, under the name of the " United Supreme 
Council for the Western Hemisphere^ 

There were two causes which brought about this Union and 
Resuscitation, viz., the dispersion of the members of the Su- 
preme Council for Terra Firma, South America, Mexico, &c., 
who took refuge in this country, and this union was the result. 

The second cause was the acknowledgement given by the 
Grand Orient of France to the Charleston body, and J. J. J. 
Gourgas, by which the Sovereign Grand Consistory of the 
United States was displaced. The Supreme Council of France, 
cognizant of this fact, and irritated by the conduct of the 
Grand Orient towards itself, in seizing upon a correspondence 
which did not belong to it, at once communicated with the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory of the United States of America, 
offering acknowledgement and welcoming a correspondence. 
See extract from Dr. Oliver, page 95. 

All this was doubtless brought about by the Count St. Lau- 
rent, who was a member of that Supreme Council, and a very 
earnest laborer in the Masonic field. He had the satisfaction 
of seeing all his plans consummated and carried out, which re- 
sulted in bringing all the Supreme Councils of the world in 
close affinity, always excepting the Charleston body, and 
J. J. J. Gourgas. This affinity continued with the United Su- 
preme Council for the Western Hemisphere until 1846, at 
which time a branch of that Council was dissolved by mutual 
consent ; and although replaced by the other branch, the cor- 
respondence on their part was neglected and finally ceased. 

Under the existing state of public feeling, the establishment 
of the United Supreme Council was a difficult task, but it was 
accomplished. And immediately after its accomplishment, a 
Treaty was submitted for ratification, entered into by the Su- 
preme Councils of France and Brazil — a full copy of which 
will be found in the Appendix (Document 28, Part 2d.) This 
Treaty declared the rite, (Ancient and Accepted Scottish) 
INDEPEXDEXT of all Other rites, and governing its own bodies, 
taking authority over all the degrees, establishing its own Sym- 
bolic Lodges and Grand Lodges, and declaring it to be a high 
offence against the rules of the Order, to allow ^y admixture 



214 SCOTTISH EITB, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

of the rites, or any departure from the Ancient Scottish rituals. 
While it claimed and declared exclusive control, over all the 
degrees of its own rite, it also proclaimed toleration to every 
other rite, and made it obligatory upon the members, never to 
interfere with the conscience or opinion of other persons who 
might be connected with, and in bonds to, another rite, allow- 
ing to all rites equal and exclusive privilege with themselves. 

Furthermore, in Article Third of the Treaty, they acknow- 
ledge and 'proclaim anev), the Grand Constitutions of the 
Ancient Accepted Scottish Eite, the Constitutions, Institutes, 
Statutes and General Regulations, determined upon by the 
nine Commissioners of the Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 
on the 21st of September, 1762, (see Appendix, Document No. 
29), as they are now modified by those dated May 1st, 1786, 
(see Appendix, Document No. 28, Part Second,) which they 
also acknowledge, proclaim, and promise to respect, observe and 
defend, under the positive reservation, to examine, rectify and 
curtail the alterations and additions which have been made to the 
same, and which pervert their original dispositions. 

For this purpose, an authentic copy of the Grand Constitu- 
tions of 1786, certified and signed by all the members of the 
present Congress, shall be annexed to each original duplicate 
of the present Treaty. 

We would remark, that we have given in full, word for 
word, this Treaty, together with the certified copy of the 
Secret Institutes, Constitution, &c., in the Latin language, as 
it purports to have been written, so that each reader can judge 
for himself. The English version is taken from the Charles- 
ton records by Brother Pike, and does not agree with the 
Latin copy in many very important particulars. (See Appen- 
dix, Document No. 28, Part Second.) 

This will undoubtedly appear a very strange thing. While 
the Grand Orient of France has flatly denied the authenticity 
of the Grand Constitutions of 1786, and publicly proclaimed 
the rite to be governed by the General Statutes, Rules and 
Regulations of Masonry — while she has openly and persistently 
denied the truth of the story of Frederick, and authors have 
abundantly proved the whole to be a low, base forgery, and a 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 215 

most silly one at that ; and ^vhile the predecessor of the United 
Supreme Council, viz., the Sovereign Grand Consistory has 
followed in the steps of the Grand Orient for twenty years, 
never ceasing to decry and oppose the monstrous instrument 
from which the notorious De La Motta derived all his powers ; 
we find, in 1832, a body of men not new in the Order, but 
precisely the same men who composed the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory, subscribing their hands, affixing their seals, and 
swearing obedience to the very instrument which they have 
for twenty years most bitterly opposed, and placing the order, 
in that rite, under its control. 

One is at a loss to find a reason for this strange procedure. 
It could not have been from ignorance of the contents of that 
Treaty, for they were all well informed. It may have been 
the case, that another motive urged them on. Masonry in the 
North was extinct, and they might have entertained tlie opin- 
ion that the time was a favorable one to commence and build 
up their rite, in which they would control the Symbolic as 
well as the Sublime degrees. And if ever York Masonry re- 
vived again, it would not be as a controlling power, but occu- 
py a place by its side, as an equal, in common with any other 
rites which might be introduced. Independence of the Rites 
and Toleration^ was the language of the Treaty, and tliis doc- 
trine they attempted to carry out. 

But unfortunately, every member of this United Supreme 
Council was a member of the Grand Lodge of the State, or of 
subordinate Lodges under its jui^isdiction. And the very edu- 
cation which they had received, the obligations which they had 
entered into, and the predilections which they had foruied, 
were all antagonistic to the consummation of this scheme, if 
such it may be called, as the sequel will show. 

When this Treaty was made known, it caused a great sen- 
sation among the gathered members. They were not all pre- 
pared to erect a rival body to the Grand Lodge, and a con- 
siderable discussion arose among them. Added to this cause 
of dissatisfaction was another, not less powerful, because old 
memories were called up, and prejudices revived which long 
had slept. In their efforts to gather together the fragments of 



216 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

the old body, some of the Gourgas and Jacobs faction had 
been brought in, and their reception became a matter of warm 
dispute. Of this number was Richard Riker, and it was on 
the presentation of his documents, that the trouble culminated. 

During this discussion, many of the old members who had 
been gathered, refused to enter the Council, or be controled by 
it, and drew off again, carrying with them the Warrant of 
Lafayette Chapter of Rose Croix. Henry Marsh had been its 
presiding officer, and was succeeded by Henry C. Atwood. 
Dr. Wm. F. Piatt, and numerous other brethren were of the 
same party, who were known as the Marsh party, and who 
continued their organization as before, under the name of the 
old Consistory. Warren Hall, at the corner of Oliver and 
Henry Street, afterwards called Union Hall, was their place of 
meeting, where they continued several years, but no work was 
done, nor was any addition to the number of members made. 
Public feeling was opposed to every thing that had the least 
bearing upon, or connection with, the Order. 

The formation of the body was completed, immediately after 
which an Annuary was published, bearing date 1832, and con- 
taining a list of the Officers of the body. Grand Dignitaries, 
Active and Honorary Members, Representatives, Subordinate 
bodies, and a list of Deputies, altogether making a very large 
number. The Annuary will be found in the Appendix, (Docu- 
ment No. 27.) 

Soon after its establishment, the Consistory of Louisiana, 
which had been in uninterrupted action from the very com- 
mencement, (1813) came under its rule. Also several other 
bodies of the old Consistory came in, and the probability is, 
that the United Supreme Council would have continued to this 
day, had it not presumed to interfere with the rights of the 
Grand Lodges of the various States. It was at once acknow- 
ledged by the Supreme Councils of France, Belgium, Rio 
Janeiro, New Granada, Consistories at Cuba, Trinidad, Vene- 
zuela, and by the Deputy Inspectors General at the different 
locations where they had been appointed, and were in the 
exercise of their functions. They sought out the furniture and 
properties which had been removed from the old Consistory, 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 217 

had it repaired, made new purchases, fitted up a Reception 
Hall, and received several applications for members, &c. The 
Treaty, with its appurtenances, was not yet signed and ratified, 
but remained unsettled for nearly four years after the formation 
of the body, viz., 1836. 

Perhaps as good, if not the best account, of the commence- 
ment and progress of the United Supreme Council, can be ob- 
tained from an abstract of the records of the same, which we 
shall now give. The substance is as follows : 

1832. An effort was made during this year, in the midst of 
the Anti-Masonic excitement, to revive the work of the Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory, by the Most 111. Bro. De Saint Lau- 
rent, Marquis de Santa Rosa, and Count, Past Master, Sove- 
reign Grand Inspector General, Thirty-third degree, Ex-Grand 
Commander, ad vUam, of tlie Supreme Council of South 
America, New Spain, &c., who had arrived in New York, and 
who proposed to gather together the fragments of the former 
Supreme Council and Consistory, and erect a body under the 
distinct title of the " United Supreme Council for the Western 
Hemisphere^ The following is a List of the Ofiicers : 

The Most Illustrious Brethren, 

Elias Hicks, Esq., P. M., S. G. I. G., 33d deg. ; Ex Grand Commander, 
ad vitam, of the former Supreme Council of the 
United States of America, and Grand Secretary of 
the M. W. Grand Lodge. M. P. Sov. Gr. Com- 
mander, ad vitam. 

De Saint Laueent, (Marquis de Santa Rosa and Count, P. M., S. G. 1. 
G., 33d deg. ; Ex Grand Commander, ad vUam, of 
the former Supreme Council of South America, 
New Spain, &c., &c. M. P. Sov. Ass. Gr. Com- 
mander, ad vitam. 

Jonathan Schieffelin, Esq., P. M., S. G. I. G., 33d deg. Is^ Lieut. Gr. 
Commander. 

Francis Dubuar, Esq., P. M., S. G. I. G., 33d deg. 2d Lieut. Gr. Com- 
mander. 

Lorenzo de Zavala, Ex Gov. of Mexico, and Ex Secretary of the Treasury 
of the Mexican United States ; P. M,, S. G. I. G., 
33d deg. M. 111. Minister of Stale. 



218 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

George Smith, Esq., P. M., S. G. I. G., 33d deg. 1st Grand Secretary for 

the English language, and Illustrious Chancellor of 

the H. E. 
Mariano Velazquez de la Cadena, Professor in Columbia College ; P. 

M., S. G. I. G., 33d deg. 2d Grand Secretary for 

the Spanish and Foreign languages. 
Joseph Bouchaud, Merchant ; P. M., S. G. I. G., 33d deg. M. III. Grand 

Treasurer of the H. E. 
John Telfair, Esq., P. M., S. G. I. G., 33d deg. M. 111. Grand Keeper of 

the Seals. 
Orazio de Attelis, Marquis de Sant Angelo, formerly Superior Officer in 

the Neapolitan Army : P. M., S. G. I. G., 33d 

deg. M. III. Grand Expert. 
Juan Melani, Chevalier de Sussarelli, Ancient Officer of the Guards of the 

King of Sardinia ; P. M., S. G. I. G., 33d deg. 

M. III. Grand Captain of the Guards. 
Lucas Ugarte, formerly Fiscal of the Royal Treasury in the Havanna, &c., 

P. M., S. G. J. G., 33d deg. M. III. Grand 

Standard Bearer. 

Yacancies were left for an Assistant Grand Treasurer Gen- 
eral, Grand Archivist, Grand Master of Ceremonies, Grand 
Sword Bearer, Grand Hospitallier and Deputy Grand Master 
of Ceremonies, which were filled by the brethren present ; but 
in the course of the year these vacancies were filled, in all, mak- 
ing seventeen Ofiicers of the Council, with seventeen efi'ective 
members, exclusive of the above. 

During this year. Brother Le Blanc de Marconnay was initi- 
ated and elevated to the Thirty-third degree. Shortly after- 
ward he returned to France, where he was acknowledged, and 
received, by the Grand Orient as such, and became Orator of 
the Chamber of Council and Appeals of that body. 

1833. The list of ofiicers continued unchanged. A propo- 
sition was made to the Supreme Council, to bring into it some 
of the members of another body, which had styled itself a 
" Supreme Grand Council of the Thirty-third degree for the 
Northern Jurisdiction," sitting in New York. This led to a 
great deal of dissatisfaction among the members who had be- 
longed to the old Consistory, and a very bad feeling was the 
consequence. Many members withdrew, and the Council be- 
gan again to decline. Still, the records show that its regular 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 219 

meetings were kept up, and some foreign brethren receiyed the 
degrees. 

In the early part of this year, a Committee was appointed 
to wait upon Brother Timolat, and receive from him the prop- 
erties of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, which had been re- 
moved by him and other brethren, for safe keeping, in the year 
1827, with power to pay all expenses which had accrued upon 
the same. The Committee consisted of 111. Bros. John Tel- 
fair, G. Smith and T. Longworth. The resignation of 111. 
Bro. Cabrera was received, and the Grand Secretary General 
was ordered to receive the archives from him. He returned 
to Spain during the following year. The correspondence was 
kept up during the year, with all the bodies connected with it 
by acknowledgement, or deriving their power from the same. 

1834. There was no change in the Council this year. The 
public opposition to Masonry was still at its height. The 
dissatisfaction in the Council was on the increase, and many of 
its most zealous members retired from the meetings of the 
same. A petition was received from Hi. Bro. Sylvester de 
Souza Teller, asking for regular powers to establish a Sove- 
reign Chapter of Rose Croix in Rio Janeiro, Brazil, which 
petition was granted by the Council unanimously. 

" On the 20th of May, 1834, one of the Representatives of this Supreme 
Council in the Convention at Paris, the 111 .-. Bro .-. the Marquis de Lafayette, 
breathed his last, mourned alike by the people and Fraternity of France, and 
of the United States, by both of whom his memory will ever be cherished for 
his many Masonic and civil virtues, and his devotion to the cause of Masonry 
and of civil and religious liberty. 

" The official notification of this sad event was communicated by his col- 
league, 111 .'. Bro .-. the Count St. Laurent, to the Supreme Council for the 
United States of America, &c., &c., in a circular, still carefully preserved in 
the Archives, of which the following is a literal translation : 

TO ALL TRUE SCOTTISH MASONS, 

"On the 10th of May, 1834, our illustrious and beloved Brother General 
Lafayette, S .-. G .*. I.-. G .-. and Grand Representative of the United Su- 
preme Council of the Western Hemisphere, near the Supreme Council of 
France, wrote the following at the bottom of the copy of his Patent in the 
Golden Book (page 80,) of Brother Count de St. Laurent, one of the principal 
Dignitaries of the said Supreme Council : 



220 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

" * It is to the extreme indulgence of the Supreme Council of the United 
States, that being exalted to the Thirty-third degree, notwithstanding the 
superior knowledge and services of many of my brethren, I am to-day indebted 
for the eminent favors which the Grand Council of the Western Hemisphere 
has conferred on me. I accept them with profound gratitude, and will endeavor 
to merit them by my zeal. May our ancient institution propagate and patro- 
nize liberty, equality, philanthropy, and contribute to the great movement of 
social civilization which must emancipate the two hemispheres. 

Lafayette.' 

" The 20th of May, 1834, at half -past five o'clock in the forenoon, our be- 
loved Brother General Lafayette passed to immortality. Let us strive to 
imitate his virtues, and let us cherish his memory. 

To the M .-. Ill .-. Bro .-. 

0. M. LowNDS, 33d deg., De St. Laurent, [l. s.] 

New York. S .-. G .-. I.-. G .-. 33d deg. 

Paris, 21st of May, 1834." 

1835. Although many new members had been added to the 
Supreme Council, yet the dissatisfaction continued, and the 
popular feeling against the institution of Masonry had not 
decreased. The Grand Lodge of the State was beginning to 
make a move in the way of holding an annual communication 
in June. Many of the Officers and Leaders in the Supreme 
Council were connected with this body. Although there had 
never before been a time, in the Annals of Masonry, so favor- 
able as that period, for the Supreme Council to assume what 
she deemed her rights over the first three degrees — there being 
then, virtually, no Lodges of any rite in existence, and no 
Grand Lodge to constitute them, yet the feelings of a majority 
of the members of the Supreme Council were opposed to the 
exercise of this power. Added to this was the popular feel- 
ing, the state of the times, and the fears of the members, who 
were conscious that the day was not far distant when Masonry 
would rise again, and resume its place among the benevolent 
societies of the world. The members of the Grand Lodge 
saw this, and although they were few in number, with 111. Bro. 
James Herring at their head, as Grand Secretary of the Grand 
Lodge, they managed to get up an annual communication, al- 
though but a few were present, perhaps not one hundred 
people, all told. This proved to be the turning point with the 
Order. The annual communications were kept up, and by the 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 221 

year 1840, they had become not only respectable, but were 
numerously attended. 

This revival of the Grand Lodge discouraged most of the 
members of the Council, and in a short time the United Su- 
preme Council for the Western Hemisphere went to sleep. A 
little more than four short years numbered the period of its 
activity. In the early part of the year 1836 it was on its last 
legs, although the meetings were continued occasionally until 
the year 1846, which will be noticed in its place. 

The regular meetings of Lafayette Chapter of Rose Croix 
were continued. Bro. H. C. Atwood had been presiding ofiS- 
cer for a long time, and was assisted by Bros. Piatt and Marsh, 
with others who were members of this Chapter, as well as by 
some of the old members of Triple Alliance, that Chapter hav- 
ing ceased its meetings altogether. A number of new mem- 
bers were received, most of them by affiliation. 

1836. This year the ratification of the Treaty took place, 
being signed in full Council by all its Officers, and was trans- 
mitted to the Representative at Paris, Count St. Laurent, thus 
binding the compact between the four Supreme Councils to 
carry out the Dogma of the rite, Supremacy, Independence, Tol- 
eration, The Marquis de Lafayette, who was a member of the 
Supreme Council of France, had been appointed the Represen- 
tative of the United Supreme Council, near that body, in 1832, 
was acknowledged and received by them as such, and acted in 
that capacity until the day of his death. 

The present year was one of unexampled depression in the 
mercantile world, especially near its close, and very little inter- 
est was manifested in Masonic matters. The Council contin- 
ued to lose its members, and by this time their number had 
become very small. The regular meetings of the body were, 
however, continued, and all necessary efforts made to sus- 
tain it under its difficulties. The meetings of Lafayette Chap- 
ter of Rose Croix were also kept up, and met with encourage- 
ment. The brethren became desirous of establishing a new 
Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, but it was 
deemed most expedient, after mature deliberation, to wait un- 
til the difficulties of the times were removed out of the way, 



222 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

when they would be able to go forward with better prospects 
of success. 

Third, The difficulties, which at this period occurred in the 
Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and with which, the 
members of the Council were connected. 

We shall first give a short outline of the difficulty itself, and 
then show its connection with the Supreme Council, as we 
think it impossible that the case will be understood as it should 
be, unless the particulars of the difficulty are set forth. 

By the commencement of the year 1837, the Anti-Masonic 
excitement had spent its force, and was beginning to pass 
away. Already the members of the Fraternity who had 
espoused the cause of Masonry through evil and good report, 
began to feel great encouragement, and several of the city 
Lodges had made a strong effort to renew their labors. It is 
true the number of the Lodges, thus laboring, was small, and 
the number of attendants upon the meetings of those Lodges 
so small, that the fact would hardly bear being mentioned. 
Yet meetings they did have, and were encouraged. 

Many of the leaders supposed that Masons were kept from 
appearing at the meetings through bodily fear, or under a 
sense of shame, as the name of a Free Mason had become dis- 
reputable in society, and in the street. Yet they believed that 
there were still numbers to be found, whose attachments for 
the Order were strong, if they could be aroused and called 
into exercise, and sufficiently so to embolden them to shake off 
their fears, to banish their shame, and to stand forth before 
the world, amid its present contempt for the Order, as " mem- 
bers of tlie mystic tieJ^ 

It is true that the Grand Lodge, a year or two previous, had 
passed a law, that there should not be any public demonstra- 
tions made by Masons, as such, at any meetings or public 
assemblages, and that public and funeral Masonic processions 
were forbidden by that body. This was done on account of 
the odium that attached to Free Masonry in that particular 
season of its adversity. But these brethren were of the opin- 
ion that the time had come when a public demonstration should 



SCOTTISH KITE OF HEREDOM. 223 

be made, in order, at least to show, that Masonry was not yet 
dead. 

They had selected St. John's day, in the month of June, to 
make that demonstration, and in order to make it as effective 
as possible, about one month previous to the occurrence of the 
festival, an advertisement appeared in the daily papers, with- 
out any signature, calling a meeting of all Free and Accepted 
Masons, in good and regular standing, at Warren Hall, corner 
of Oliver and Henry Street, for a certain evening. No par- 
ticular object of the meeting was stated in the call. Curiosity 
and strong sympathy for the Order, led the author to attend 
the meeting, as such an event had not transpired for the ten 
years previous. 

On arriving at the place appointed, he found the room, which 
was large, densely crowded with old familiar faces, and the 
Chairman, on his entrance, was stating the object of the call, 
viz., the public celebration of the coming St John's festival, by 
a procession in the street, religious exercises, and a dinner. 
After the object was stated to the meeting, there appeared to 
be a great diversity of opinion among the brethren assembled, 
among the number of whom was R. W. James Van Benschoten, 
Deputy Grand Master ; and R. W.' James Herring, Grand 
Secretary of the Grand Lodge. The discussion became warm, 
and in the course of an hour after coming together, the assem- 
bly became any thing else than an orderly one. The brethren 
had dropped off, one by one, until but a very small number was 
left behind. The meeting was unsatisfactory, produced no good 
results, and created a great deal of animosity. 

It appeared that York Lodge, JVo. 367, had passed a resolu- 
tion to celebrate the anniversary by an oration, dinner, pro- 
cession, &c., and had appointed a Committee to wait upon 
other Lodges, and request their co-operation. Eventually, 
three Lodges, viz., Hihemia, Benevolent and Silentia, were found 
who agreed to unite with them in the celebration. The object 
of the meeting was to increase the number, and the invitation 
was there given, to all Masons in good and regular standing, 
to unite with them on the occasion. 

As the Deputy Grand Master and Grand Secretary had 



224 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

made objections to the affair, and called to the minds of those 
assembled, the Edict of the Grand Lodge, a sub Committee 
of Five was deputed^to call upon them, and submit the follow- 
ing question, viz. : " Is there any article in the Constitution 
which prohibits a procession on St. John's day, without a Dis- 
pensation from the Grand Master or his Deputy ? '' 

In performance of this duty, they proceeded to the Grand 
Secretary's office, and there found both these persons, to whom 
they put the above interrogatory. They both then decided 
" that there was nothing in the Constitution which prohibited 
any regular Lodge from celebrating that day in the usual man- 
ner, without a permission from the Grand Lodge." The Com- 
mittee of Inquiry reported accordingly to the Joint Commit- 
tee then in session, who, thereupon selected a Committee of 
Arrangements, who performed their duties by engaging a 
church, orator, music, dinner, &c. Due notice of the contem- 
plated celebration was forthwith published in all the principal 
newspapers of the city. 

Time passed on without any objection being interposed or 
suggested by any party whatever. On the night previous to 
the day of celebration, at half-past eleven o'clock, Mr. Atwood 
received a notice, dated on that day, prohibiting the celebra- 
tion, signed by R. W. James Yan Benschoten, and attested by 
James Herring, Grand Secretary. It was then too late to stay 
proceedings. 

The following morning, the 24th, and the day of the celebra- 
tion, at half-past nine o'clock, Bros. Yan Benschoten and Her- 
ring appeared in person at Union Hall. The R. W. Deputy 
Grand Master inquired, " What was the meaning of this assem- 
bly after the Edict of the previous day ? " Mr. Atwood replied, 
" That he knew of no Constitutional Rule or Regulation of the 
Order, which authorized him to issue such an Edict ; and fur- 
ther, if it ever did exist, he had waived it, by informing the 
Committee, that any Lodge had a right to celebrate this anni- 
versary in the usual manner, without a permission from the 
Grand Lodge." 

The R. W. Deputy Grand Master then read the Edict forbid- 
ding the procession. 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEEEDOM. 225 

The Brethren present, over three hundred, voted unanimous- 
ly to go forward. 

The procession was formed, the ceremonies were performed 
in a very orderly manner, and went off with satisfaction to all 
concerned. 

On the 12th of July following, a special meeting of the 
Grand Lodge was held, at which charges were preferred 
against Henry C. Atwood and William F. Piatt, for appearing 
in the said procession and encouraging the same. The follow- 
ing week they were expelled. And on the receipt of the 
information, " St. John^s Grand Lodge " was organized, and as 
such, continued to practice the Ancient Rites and Ceremonies 
until 1851, when the happy union was accomplished with the 
M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of New York. 

The dissenting brethren also formed a Royal Arch Chapter, 
under the name of " Orient Chapter,'''' deriving their authority 
from 111. Bro. Henry C. Atwood, Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General, Thirty-third degree, also an Encampment of Knights 
Templar — both of which bodies continued regular work in 
those degrees up to the time of the Union in 1851. 

The meetings of La Fayette Chapter of Rose Croix were 
continued, and many new members were added to the same. 
But as the Grand Lodge of the State had expelled most of the 
brethren who were members of that Chapter, and thus inter- 
dicted them from communication with the bodies under their 
jurisdiction, as a matter of course, the addition of new mem- 
bers to the Rose Croix Chapter, were mostly from the bodies 
deriving from St. John's Grand Lodge. 

1838. The furniture and fixtures of the Sublime Lodge of 
Perfection, Council of Princes of Jerusalem, Sovereign Chap- 
ter of Rose Croix, and Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 
which were before in use by the United Supreme Council, were 
this year purchased from Bro. Timolat, and paid for by the 
Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix. They were removed to 
Union Hall. The regular meetings of the United Supreme 
Council, except annual, had ceased from want of numbers, and 
want of interest in the cause. 

In consequence of the inactivity into which the Council had 



226 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

fallen, its correspondence with foreign bodies had been, 
neglected. This was especially the case with the Grand Orient 
and Supreme Council of Brazil, with which body regular com- 
munications were had until 1835, after which time the languor 
of the body was such that there was not found sufficient energy 
among the members to sustain such a correspondence as the 
Treaty required. Some four years had elapsed, when in the 
month of November, 1839, T .'. M .', Ill .'. Bro .'. Elias Hicks, 
M. P. Sov. Gr. Commander received from the Supreme Coun- 
cil for the Empire of Brazil, an official document (see Appendix, 
Document 28, Appendage,) inviting the United Supreme Coun- 
cil to open with them a continuous correspondence, by means 
of which they may keep one another mutually informed of the 
requirements and of the prosperity of the Order to which they 
belong. The document was written with a pen, and is a beauti- 
ful specimen of chirography, the first words, " En JSTome do 
M.'. Santo e Gr.'. Arch .\ do Un.'.,^^ '' Or do ah Chao,^^ being 
written in gold. It is in two columns, the left hand column in 
Portuguese, the other in French. 

From this period to the year 1846, the meetings of the Su- 
preme Council were annual, and the records show that the 
only attending members were Joseph Bouchaud, Francis 
Dubuar, and five others, all the rest having become disaffected 
and dropped off. The Count St. Laurent continued as the 
Representative of the body, near the Supreme Council of 
France. On the 27th of October, 1846, there were present, 
Joseph Bouchaud, President ; John Telfair, George Smith and 
John S. Mitchell, Assistant Secretary. On motion of Brother 
Telfair, it was ordered " that the funds of this Supreme Council, 
in the hands of the Treasurer, he distrihuted, pro rata, among the 
surviving members of the Supreme Council, who composed the 
hody previous to the introduction of new memhers.^^ In accord- 
ance with this resolution, III. Bro. Bouchaud paid over to 111. 
Bro. George Smith, Secretary General of the Supreme Council, 
to be divided among those brethren, Bro. Bouchaud refusing 
to receive any part of the same. This date terminated the 
existence of the body, as then constituted, and it thereby came 
to an end. 



SCOTTISH EITE OF HEREDOM. 227 

It will thus be seen that by this date, the United Supreme 
Conncil in this branch had dwindled down to four members. 
111. Bros. Elias Hicks and Jonathan Schieffelin were dead ; the 
Count St. Laurent had returned to France, and was Eepre- 
sentative near the Supreme Council there ; the Marquis de 
Sant Angelo, 111. Bros. Melani, Ugarti, Cabrera, Tellar and 
Zavala had left the country ; the members had forsaken the 
body on account of the dissatisfaction before referred to, and 
the four remaining brethren could not transact the regular 
business of the body. Under these circumstances they brought 
it to an end. 

But it must not be supposed that these four remaining breth- 
ren were the whole Council or that their acts were binding on 
those members who had withdrawn. By referring to the An- 
nuary published (Document 27,) it will be seen that there were 
many more who were members left behind, all of whom were 
opposed to any interference with Ancient Masonry, and with- 
drew on that account. The most of them did not unite with 
any other body, but some of them claimed membership with 
the Marsh party and continued their assemblages in the La- 
fayette Rose Croix Chapter and Consistory formed by them. 
They were largely in the majority until 1837, when, on account 
of the expulsion from the Grand Lodge of the Atwood party, 
they c^uit altogether, leaving Marsh, Atwood, Piatt, and one 
or two others to continue the work. This they did until the 
year 1846, at which time many additions had been made of 
members hailing under St. John's Grand Lodge, and when the 
dissolution of the four took place, the Consistory at once suc- 
ceeded them under the former system — that is, they adopted 
the former rule, which was " non interference with the first three 
degrees of Masonry^ they being governed solely by Grand Lodges J^ 
This work was harmoniously continued until 1850, when the 
union of the two Grand Lodges took place, thus removing all 
difficulties out of the way ; the old members again came in ; 
the proceedings were confirmed ; the body reorganized, and 
took the position which it had uninterruptedly occupied, viz., 
the Supreme Council of the United States of America, their 
Territories and Dependencies, having only been interrupted 



228 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

for a short period by a difference of opinion. The list of 
members contains the names of 111. Bro. John W. Mulligan^ 
Past Grand Commander ; W. Wright Hawkes, Seth Driggs, 
John B. Satterthwaite, David Naar, Thomas W. Satterthwaite, 
with many others who formerly officiated in the United Su- 
preme Council. 

We shall leave this part of the subject here, and shortly 
return to it again. 

Fourth^ The matters connected with the Consistory at New 
Orleans. 

It will be remembered that this body was chartered in the 
year 1813, went into operation, and continued for twenty 
years, performing its proper and legitimate duties, viz., up to 
the year 1833, when the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, thinking 
her rights invaded as Governor of the Symbolic degrees, solic- 
ited of the Consistory the formation of a Scottish chamber in 
her bosom. The request was complied with, the chamber was 
formed, and continued to exercise its powers until the year 
1850, a period of seventeen years. At its commencement, the 
Consistory relinquished to the chamber, all authority over the 
Symbolic degrees, and worked from the Fourth degree. 

But during this time, the United Supreme Council (the 
parent body) had ceased its activity, although in full corres- 
pondence with most of the other legitimate Supreme Councils 
of the two hemispheres — and when this fact was made known 
in New Orleans, the Supreme Council was established there 
in 1839, took up the correspondence which had been broken, 
and continued it until 1850. This is important to our history, 
for by it will be seen that the chain of succession is regularly 
kept up, and acknowledged by foreign powers from the year 
1813 to the year 1850, not by the power of individual inspec- 
tors, but by the power of regularly constituted bodies, and 
acknowledged as such by all legitimate bodies of the kind. 

Mr. Foulhouze, of the Supreme Council of Louisiana, in 
speaking upon this subject, says : 

" Although it (the United Supreme Council) had erred, by entering into a 
Treaty with the Supreme Council of France, the United Supreme Council of 
the Western Hemisphere had, however, acted according to the true Scotch 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 229 

principle, and its act of ratification, which fully justified our predecessors, 
ought to have insured its success. 

" But the result was not altogether what it ought to have been. The act 
which was to cause its triumph, occasioned its momentary ruin. The bigots 
of the York Rite became indignant at a Treaty which deprived them of tax 
payers in their Grand Lodges. The Dalcho Council at Charleston, and the 
Gourgas Council at New York,* availed themselves of the circumstance, and 
came out with their doctrine of sublime submission to Yorkism : and truth 
soon was forced to suffer in a city where its friends were scarce, and unprovi- 
ded with proper information : and gradually, the United Supreme Council of 
the Western Hemisphere ceased to give signs of life. Our Ex Grand Consis- 
tory vainly wrote to it. The letters fell into the dead letter box at the Post 
OfiBce, and our predecessors were about to take measures to ascertain the cause 
of the sudden interruption of correspondence, when the Marquis de Sant An- 
gelo, who, from some time previous, was a member of the Supreme Council, 
and had been its Lieut. Grand Commander, arrived at New Orleans. 

" It was in 1839. There were then, in New Orleans, several Thirty-thirds, 
and among others. Brother Conte, who had received that degree in the Grand 
Orient. The Marquis de Sant Angelo informed his colleagues of the slumber 
into which the United Supreme Council of the Western Hemisphere had fal- 
len ; and concurrently with them proceeded to give force and vigor, under the 
title of * Supreme Council of ths Thirty-third and last degree, of the Ancient 
and Accepted Scottish Rite for the United States of America.' 

" That Council once organized, several Princes of the Royal Secret of our 
Ex Grand Consistory, and among others, our Brother Jean Francois Canonge, 
were initiated to the Thirty-third degree. Brother Sant Angelo was its first 
Grand Commander ; after him Brother Conte, who was succeeded by Brother 
Jean Francois Canonge. 

" Our Ex Grand Consistory acknowledged that Supreme Council, from its 
establishment in 1839, and passed under its jurisdiction. Some time after, its 
Grand Secretary, Brother Montmain, entered into a correspondence with a 
Thirty-third in Paris, Brother Juge, to the end of having our Supreme Coun- 
cil recognized by the competent authority in Fr«,nce. 

" Brother Juge called at first on the Supreme Council of France, which de- 
clined corresponding with us. He informed Brother Montmain of that fact, 
and suggested the idea of calling on the Supreme Council of the Grand Orient. 
Our predecessors did so, and on the 14th of April, 1843, that Supreme Coun- 
cil of the Grand Orient, by a resolution to that effect, recognized our Supreme 
Council under the above given title." 

This recognition was continued until 1850. 



* 1847, this must allude to, because there was no Gourgas Council in existence until that 
time. 



230 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

In the Report made to the Grand Orient, by its Orator, the 
following account is given •. 

" In 1839, the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third, Scottish Rite, Ancient 
and Accepted, succeeded the Scottish Grand Consistory, Thirty-second, and 
that power, the highest class of this system, inherited the prerogatives of the 
said Consistory. The Consistory was acknowledged, from its commencement, 
by the Grand Orient of France, through the Sovereign Grand Consistory, its 
parent, and the Supreme Council of that State was acknowledged in 1840 by 
the Grand Orient of France, and was in close and intimate correspondence 
with it, for more than twelve years, as an independent. Sovereign power in its 
rite. Its regularity is beyond all question. 

" The Scottish Symbolic Chamber of the Supreme Council of Louisiana 
was held in the M. W. Grand Lodge of Louisiana, until 1850, a period of 
seventeen years, without interruption, and was, at that time, cut off. It was 
in consequence of this event, that the Supreme Grand Council there, by a de- 
cision dated September 20th, 1850, resumed her authority over all the degrees 
of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite." 

As we shall not again return to the Supreme Council of 
Louisiana, and as Masonry in that State, previous to the year 
1850, whether of the Ancient or Accepted, or of the York Rite, 
has been considered, one and the same, it will be as well to 
finish this part of the subject here, by a very short sketch of 
the difficulties there, as well as to correct the mis-statements 
of M. W. John Gedge, concerning the Supreme Council, which 
have been published and widely circulated among the frater- 
nity. We have no disposition to enter upon a critical exam- 
ination of the proceedings in the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, 
under the Grand Mastership of Gedge. Those who wish for 
information, are referred to the published proceedings of that 
body, in the years 1850 and 1851. 

The Report drawn up by Leblanc de Marconnay, one or two 
years after the occurrences had takea place, is free from per- 
sonal animadversion ; it sets the matter before us in a clear 
light, and in such a way that it can be easily understood by 
the most common intellect. He says : 

"All the Grand Lodges in the United States of America, thirty-two in 
number, have been constituted after the York Eite, because they originated 
from England, Scotland and Ireland, where said rite is practiced since the re- 
vival of the Masonic Order, and where it has ever stood unalloyed. The only 
exception to this general rule took place in Louisiana, which became a State 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 231 

of the Union in 1812. Tlie population of said State was, at that time, exclu- 
sively of French or Spanish origin, 

"The first Lodge in Louisiana was founded in 1793, by brethren of various 
Easts, all united at New Orleans. They applied to the Grand Lodge of South 
Carolina, and obtained from her, and under the name and title of ^Perfect 
Union,' a Constitution, whereby they were authorized to practice the York 
Rite. The second Lodge was established in 1794, after the Scottish Rite, by 
the Grand Mother Lodge of Marseilles, in default of the Grand East, which, 
at the time, was not at work, in consequence of the events of the French revo- 
lution. This Lodge took the name of ' Polar Star Lodge; which cumulated 
afterward, the Modern, Scottish and York Rites. Masons from South Caro- 
lina, established in 1800, a York Rite Lodge, under the obedience of the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania, and bearing the name of ' Charity Lodge.' Several 
brethren from the northern section of the United States, established in 1806, 
the 'Louisiana Lodge,'' under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New 
York, equally practicing the York Rite. In the same year, the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania authorized the establishment of a new Lodge after the York 
Rite, and under the name of ' Harmony,' and another under the name of ' De- 
sired Reunion,'' composed of Masons from St. Domingo. 

" Such was the essence of Masonry in Louisiana previous to the creation of 
a Special Grand Lodge for that State. The constituted authorities and the rites 
in practice were different. But at that period, Louisiana was but a Masonic 
territory belonging to a foreign power, and it was then customary for Masons 
to derive their title from whencesoever they pleased, as long as the majority 
recognized or established no Masonic authority. All these Lodges lived in 
perfect harmony, notwithstanding the different communions, and as a matter 
of course, the rites followed by the Masons of Louisiana, were amalgamated. 

" The idea of founding a Grand Lodge, belongs to the first of the constituted 
Lodges, and all said Lodges concurred in a measure, whereby they were to be 
governed on an equal footing with the Lodges of other parts of the Union. A 
General Committee was constituted in Convention on the 18th of April, 1812, 
under the title of General Masonic Committee for the State of Louisiana, and for 
the purpose of establishing a Grand Lodge at New Orleans. Said Committee 
decided that a Grand Masonic Convention, composed of the five first Officers, 
and of the AV. Past Masters of the Lodges represented in its bosom, to be sum- 
moned on the 6th of June, 1812. A Constitution w^as adopted, and the Grand 
Lodge was inaugurated after the York Rite, on the 11th of July, 1812, under 
the Presidency of the W. Bro. Dubourg, first Grand Master. 

"' On the 15th of March, 1813, a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for 
the State of Louisiana was also established, independent of the Grand Lodge, 
in order to regulate the administration of the high degrees of the York Rite. 

" Finally, the Scottish Masons of Louisiana applied to the proper authority 
(the Sovereign Grand Consistory, sitting in New York, and the competent 
authority of said rite) for the establishment of a Grand Consistory for the 



232 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Southern portion of the United States. Said Consistory was inaugurated and 
proclaimed in New Orleans, on the 19th of June, 18L3,and became afterwards 
a dependency of the Supreme Council now existing in that city. The princi- 
pal Officers of the Grand Lodge, belonged, in the meantime, to the Grand 
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and to the Scottish Consistory of Louisiana. 
Many Lodges worked under the York Rite altogether, and many also under 
the Scottish Rite, or Modern Constitution, without interrupting the general 
harmony. 

" An act of incorporation was granted by the Legislature of Louisiana, to 
the Grand Lodge, and said act contained no proviso, whereby it should be 
necessary to belong exclusively to the York Rite, in order to enjoy its privi- 
leges and benefits. On the contrary, it is therein stipulated that all regular 
Lodges constituted, under the authority of said Grand Lodge, are hereby de- 
clared to be as many corporations, de facto et de jure, under whatever name or 
title they might be known or called in their Constitutions, with powers equal 
to those granted by the Grand Lodge. And the Brethren Soulie, Dubourg, 
Moreau de Lilet, Lefebre, Lemonier, Guibert and Pinta, mentioned as petition- 
ers in preamble of said Act, belonged to the several rites then in practice, and 
among said rites was the ' Scottish Rite, Ancient and Accepted.' 

" It is true there existed some discontent among certain Lodges of the York 
Rite, claiming the rigorous principles of said rite, and excluding any amalga- 
mation wilh other systems. But the Grand Lodge was not, at that period, 
afflicted with that disease, and she spared no exertion in maintaining union 
among her subordinates. 

" Furthermore, the Grand Lodge, by decree, June 8th, 1833, which decree 
was notified to the Grand Consistory of Princes of the Royal Secret for the 
State of Louisiana, established in her bosom, a Scottish Symbolic Chamber, 
and requested the Grand Consistory to divest itself of the right of constituting 
Scottish Lodges, and to transfer the same to the said Chamber. This demand 
was granted, and all the Scottish Lodges exchanged their Constitutive title, 
for a Patent, issuing from the Grand Lodge, in her Scottish Symbolic Cham- 
ber. Tliis act proves undeniably, that the Grand Lodge of the York Rite, recog- 
nizes the right of the Grand Scottish Consistory, and consequently of the Su- 
preme Council, to establish Lodges of its system in Louisiana. 

"In 1839 the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, succeeded the Grand 
Scottish Consistory, and that power, the highest of the system, had a personal 
right to inherit the prerogatives of an inferior authority. This Supreme 
Council has been recognized by the Grand East of France, with which it has 
held a correspondence for more than ten years, and its regularity at this day 
is beyond all question. 

The Grand Lodge is also in correspondence with the Grand Orient, and 
from that period, each of those authorities in Louisiana has been separately 
represented, by distinct sponsors, in the bosom of the French Masonic Senate. 
Encampments of Knights Templar had been instituted in Louisiana, by the 



mmmmm 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 233 

Grand Encampment of the United States of America, and albeit, this system 
is considered foreign to Masonry by all the authorities professing the several 
rites, these bodies worked, nevertheless, under the jurisdiction of, or were 
attached to the other regular Atasonic bodies of the Consistory. 

" It is true, that the York Rite, iu its admirable puriianism, does not recog- 
nize, as belonging to the Masonic doctrines, the high degrees of the Scottish 
Rite, those of Heredom, Modern system, Kilwinning, Scotch Philosophy, nor 
those of the * Rectified system of Knights Templar, of Malta, and of the 
Triple Cross.' But it does not forbid its Adepts to take those degrees, and 
does not consider that they have forfeited their title to Masons, if their incli- 
nation induces them to become initiated in said degrees. It prohibits only, the 
wearing of their insignia iu the Symbolic temples. 

" In 1846, the Grand Lodge of the State of Mississippi, contrary to all rules 
established between the Grand Lodges'of the American Union, constituted 
several Symbolic Lodges after the York Rite, iu and for the Territory of the 
Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana. The latter justly complained of 
such unfair conduct, and denounced her to all the Grand Lodges, the majority 
of which, blamed energetically, such an illegal step. The Grand Lodge of 
Mississippi rested her right upon a pretended violation of the rules established 
for the practice of the York Rite, which violation resided, according to her 
opinion, in the cumulation of rites adopted by the Grand Lodge of Louisi- 
ana. 

" In 1849, the regular Grand Lodge of Louisiana numbered sixty -six Lodges 
under her jurisdiction, three of which followed the Modern Rite, four the Scot- 
tish Rite, one cumulated the York, Scottish and Modern Rites, and the remain- 
der practiced the York Rite. These painful debates lasted until 1850, when 
a Convention of the Symbolic Lodges of Louisiana called all the Masons of the 
State, for the purpose of adopting a new Constitution. The Scottish Lodges, 
together with those of other rites, sent Deputies to the Convention ; but it 
may be easily conceived that they were defeated by an immense majority of 
the followers of the York Rite. The Constitution that was then adopted, de- 
creed, that the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana could establish no other 
than Lodges of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons. The brethren of 
the Scottish Rite believed sincerely, that this disposition took in. or received, 
the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, as well as the Ancient York 
Rite. But such was not the intention of the leaders of the majority in the 
Grand Lodge, and soon after, the Scottish Chamber ceased to be admitted iu 
her bosom. 

" And in order that there should be no misunderstanding about the new in- 
tentions of the Grand Lodge, she informed the Supreme Council by a special 
communication, dated March 5th, 1850, that henceforth she would neither con- 
stitute, nor administer, any other Lodge but those professing exclusively the 
York Rite. The Scottish Lodges, thus deprived of a proper government, re- 
turned their Charters to the Grand Lodge, and united under the jurisdiction 



234 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

of the Supreme Council, from which they received new Constitutions. It was 
in consequence of this event, that the Supreme Council, by a decision dated 
September 20th, 1850, resumed its authority over all the degrees of the Ancient 
and Accepted Scottish Rite. 

" The various changes which I have related would have been but of a com- 
mon nature, had not the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, by an incomprehensible 
intolerance, ordered all the Lodges under its jurisdiction, to shut out the Scot- 
tish Masons, considering them altogether as spurious and illegal. 

" The Grand Lodge of Louisiana sought to justify this strange ' Ostracism,' 
by the authority of two pretended Scottish Masonic powers, viz., the body 
under the control of Albert G. Mackey, of Charleston, South Carolina, and 
that of J. J. J. Gourgas, of New Tork city, who pretend to consider the Su- 
preme Council of Louisiana as ' spurious,' under the pretence that they did 
not constitute or recognize it, &c." " 

Here is a plain account of the whole transaction, and the 
proceedings, condensed in few words, free from all the mis- 
representations and special pleadings by Gedge, and is given 
in full to show the true state of the case. Mr. Foulhouze, in 
his pamphlet concerning the rite, says : 

" Through the notorious J. Gedge, who always dreamed of revolts and 
scandals, and seemed most happy when fomenting them, the Grand Lodge of 
Mississippi, established in 1848, a York Grand Lodge in Louisiana, in oppo- 
sition to the State Grand Lodge which cumulated the rites — that is to say, 
which administered each of them respectively and separately through corres- 
ponding Symbolic Chambers. 

" That attempt did not succeed. John Gedge then caused a Masonic Con- 
vention to be held at'Baton Rouge. The Scotch Masons there present were 
shamelessly deceived, for when they believed that the decrees of that Conven- 
tion, which was to effect the union of the two Grand Lodges, had been so 
worded as to secure their Scotch rights, they learned by the ordinances of the 
new Grand Lodge, that their Symbolic Chamber was destroyed, and they 
were placed under the immediate control of York rulers. Thereupon, the 
Scotch Lodges complained before our Supreme Council, which, by its decree 
of September 20th, 1850, resumed the sole exercise of power over them. 

" Gedge knew where the deception lay, and that it was no accident, but the 
result of artful design. He hated the Scotch Rite, and had attempted all in 
his power to destroy it. The question, therefore, for him, was to find out how 
he could carry out his purposes, and as he was unscrupulous about the means 
to employ, he conceived the idea of becoming a Scotch Mason himself, if it 
were possible. He succeeded in finding at Charleston a man as unscrupulous 
as himself. That man was A. G. Mackey. He came out, at G edges' request, 
to establish a Consistory for the government of the rite in Louisiana, which he 
constituted under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Power at Charleston, ap- 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 235 

pointing Gedge as the Commander, and therein conferring the high degrees of 
what they are pleased to call the Scotch Rite, in such a manner as to create 
disgust, even to those who now exalt him as their Most Potent Monarch, &c." 

It has been authoritatively stated, that the said Consistory, 
in concordance with a well concocted plan, was formed in a 
private room, in the evening, at New Orleans, by Mr. Mackey, 
who, placing his right hand upon the shoulder of each man in 
the circle, one by one, and audibly declaring them to be Sub- 
lime Princes of the Royal Secret, thus constituted them into a 
ruling body of the Scottish Rite in that State, with John 
Gedge as their Commander. 

The following communication was immediately transmitted 
by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana to the Supreme Council : 

" New Orleans, March 5th, 1850. 
" GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA " 
" To the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Impectors General of Thirty- 
third and last degree, Ancient Free and Accepted Scottish Masonry." 
" Brethren : 
" Per mandate of the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana, I respectfully 
hereby inform you that the following Resolution was duly passed and adopted 
by that body, at its extraordinary meeting of the 4th inst. — 

" Resolved, That the Grand Secretary of this Grand Lodge shall immediate- 
ly inform the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, Thir- 
ty-third degree, meeting at New Orleans, that this Grand Lodge renounces, 
now and forever, to constitute any Symbolic Lodges, other than as Ancient 
Free and Accepted Masons. 

' I remain, with the highest consideration, yours fraternally, 

J. J. E. Massicot." 

This communication sets forth the result of the whole mat- 
ter. The Convention had been held at Baton Rouge ; the 
union of the two Grand Lodges had taken place ; the Consti- 
tution which was to cut off from membership, all Scottish Ma- 
sons and Scottish Lodges had been ratiiied ; the mandate fol- 
lowed ; the Supreme Council again resumed the rights which 
she had vested in the Grand Lodge in 1833, whereupon the 
new Consistory was erected by Mackey, with John Gedge as 
its head. And now two questions present themselves : What 
influences were used to bring about this result ? And what 



236 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

opinions were generally entertained by the brethren concern- 
ing these proceedings ? 

In reply to the first question, it would seem that John Gedge 
was the principal mover in the whole matter. And having 
consummated all his plans, which resulted in a Convention, 
&c., he made a speech to the Grand Lodge, filled with many 
" errors^^ which speech, unfortunately for him, has been printed 
and widely circulated, thus becoming a record and a reference. 
We shall quote only a few lines of this document, believing 
they will be sufficient. The whole report may be found in the 
Grand Lodge proceedings, Louisiana, 1850. 

" In pursuing this investigation, we find that there are two bodies of this 
designation : one at New York, and the other at Charleston — the first claim- 
ing jurisdiction over the Northern part of the United States, and the other 
over the Southern. These two bodies date their existence and derive their 
authority from a source much more ancient than the one here, and both aver 
and declare, that according to the Statutes of their Order, none other can legally 
exist in the United States. These protests have been published, and they have 
never been contradicted'^ 

Again : 

" I will remark in few words, upon the character of this intrusion upon the 
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge. Some excuse might be oflered, were it 
essentially necessary that the body intruding on us should interfere with Sym- 
bolic Masonry, for the purpose of its peculiar rite ; but we are informed that 
such is not the case. Two bodies bearing the same titles, and claiming the 
same attributes, exist at New York and Charleston, and if there be any ad- 
vantage and better information derived from antiquity of establishment, they 
ought to possess them, having existed /or nearly half a century longer than the 
one here, Sfc." 

The investigation pursued by Mr. Gedge must have been 
arduous indeed. But where, we ask, did he find this knowl- 
edge ? Surely, if there had been such a body in New York, 
as he claims to have discovered, or in the city of Charleston, 
which dated their existence, and derived their authority from 
a source, much more ancient than the one in New Orleans, or 
the parent body in New York, from which it derived its 
authority — so ancient as to have been in existence for half a 
century before, &c. — this fact would have been known by the 
Fraternity of either city. As far as New York was concerned, 



klU 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 237 

the Fraternity there were well aware of the existence of a 
body, which, at the date of his address, was very nearly fifty 
years old, which was founded in 1807, and was acknowledged 
and known all over the world. They also knew of a body 
which was established in New York by De La Motta, either 
in 1813 or 1815, which existed four or five years there, and 
then expired. Since which, nothing was known or heard of it, 
until tlie year 181:7, when it appears in a new dress, with 
Gourgas at its head. As it regards the Charleston body, no 
claim was ever laid, even by themselves, prior to the year 1801. 
while otliers than themselves, very well acquainted with the 
history of that body, do not allow them any claim before the 
year 1829 or 1830, at which time they were acknowledged by 
the Grand Orient of France. And what Mr. Gedge asserted 
about the ^'protests which had been published, and had never been 
contradicted,'^ he knew to be a barefaced, open falsehood, at the 
time of uttering the same. The reply to De La Motta's 
pamplilet, published by the Sovereign Grand Consistory in 
1814, the several Edicts published afterwards by that body up 
to the year 1827, the testimony of French and English histo- 
rians who have treated the subject at large, and last of all, his 
own personal knowledge, prove this. 

Mr. Gedge also knew, quite as well, that the Louisiana 
Consistory was established in New Orleans, in 1813, had a 
Chamber in the Grand Lodge in 1833, and continued, not only 
in active operation, but in full communion with the very Grand 
Lodge, in which he was then speaking (1850) it being of 
^^ seventeen years duration,'^ and yet, in the face of all this evi- 
dence, and of these facts, he declares the body to be spurious 
and illegitimate ; this assertion, of course, being founded upon 
what his friend, Mr. Mackey, had communicated to him. One 
is at a loss to account for such conduct. 

If Mr. Gedge had not been sadly blinded by his own interest, 
and had taken a little more pains towards a fair examination, 
he would have found that these two bodies, as he is pleased to 
term them, had not the right to decide in the premises, inas- 
much as neither of them were in good standing, and their 
claims to authenticity and regularity had, long since, been set 



238 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

aside. That they never were the compeers of the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory, or the Consistory of Louisiana, but were 
denounced by both bodies from the very beginning up to the 
hour when he delivered his notable address. Not only so, but 
even the Grand Lodges of all the Northern jurisdiction passed 
Mr. Gourgas and his " body '*' by with the most perfect con- 
tempt, not allowing a place on their records to witness, even 
the " reception " of any of his communications. 

It was by means of such statements as these, made by Gedge 
to the Grand Lodge, that they were led to believe in the 
spuriousness and illegitimacy of the Louisiana Consistory and 
Council, and finally shut them out. After the work was con- 
summated, Mackey stood ready to constitute a Consistory in 
Louisiana, with Gedge at its head — but the body did not live 
long. The parties interested made the discovery, that they 
were not respected, but became the laughing stock of the fra- 
ternity, and soon gave up their organization. The address or 
letter to the M. W; Grand Master Gedge will best express the 
opinions of the Fraternity there. 

" A good deal of evil has been done ! that is certain, too certain. But who 
has done it ? You are well aware, that in violation of all laws of Masonic 
intercourse, the Grand Lodge of Mississippi founded Lodges in and for the 
State of Louisiana, exactly as if this glorious State had not already had a 
Grand Lodge, provided with all the necessary powers. These Lodges soon after 
founded a Grand Lodge of the York Rite, in opposition to the true and only 
Masonic Grand Lodge cumulating — that is, protecting all rites. To those 
who acted thus, I have a right to say, you either were right in acting as you 
did, or you were wrong. If you were right, why have you subsequently estab- 
lished a Grand Lodge of no particular rite ? If you were wrong, why do you 
not allow the Grand Lodge to grant Symbolic Chambers ? Why, in your 
new Constitution, do you say,, that you shall ascertain and propagate the true 
ceremonial and instruction in the work of Masonry, and enforce their practice, 
and by a subsequent resolution, proclaim that the ritual is not essential, is 
more an article of discipline than faith, and is not a landmark of the Order ? 
This is the origin of the evil : ' Index mali labes.' 

" "What right had the Mississippi Grand Lodge to usurp an authority be- 
longing to us exclusively ? What right had you to interfere with our form of 
worship, &c. 

" It is painful to state that such an outrage has been suggested and done by 
a Brother Mason, who either has a Masonry of his own, or ideas of his own, 
which must be obeyed. Are the people to be trifled with ? Have we, or 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 239 

have we not, the liberty of conscience ? And shall the ambitious whims of 
one Sectarian, set everything on fire ? We had a Grand Lodge instituted 
forty years ago. Under its jurisdiction every Lodge lived in perfect harmony 
with her sisters, notwithstanding the difference of rites. Weakness, although 
it would be more iVIasonic to say: the wish for peace and friendship, caused the 
real Grand Lodge, numbering sixty-six Lodges under her jurisdiction, to admit 
this spurious Grand Lodge into her bosom, and, as a matter of course, the 
author of this outrage was soon appointed Grand Master of the ' Amalgama- 
tion.^ One would suppose that his ambition being satisfied, so far as noise in 
the world and Sectarianism are concerned, he would keep quiet and establish 
a general harmony. Bat no, he must pull down the whole edifice, and no mat- 
ter what the consequence might be, he must, in the name of Peace and 
Brotherly Love, set the brethren at drawn swords against each other, &c. 

" They felt, however, in the Sanctum Sanctorum, that this was going a 
little too fast ; that to amend or upset Constitutions, it was necessary to con- 
sult the people ; that this new step in the way of innovations might endanger 
the work they were building up. Somewhat confident in the total ignorance 
and good faith of those whose creed and rite they were about to crush, they 
held a Convention at Baton Rouge, in June, 1850, that is to say, three months 
after the autocratic decision by which they had broken their oath ! All 
Lodges were represented in said Convention. But the Report tells you how 
.the Scotch brethren were defeated. 

" In presence of such despotic, Anti-Masonic conduct, the Scotch brethren 
resisted as men, as Masons, and formed an independent corporation under the 
only Masonic authority existing in Louisiana, de jure et de facto. The 
balance remained with the new Grand Lodge, swore obedience to her, through 
indifference rather than from conviction. Soon after this, the very same 
Sectarian, in his restlessness, caused Brother Albert G. Mackey to come from 
Charleston, in order to establish a Grand Consistory, exactly as if there never 
had existed a Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite in Louisiana. Our 
Sectarian, after abolishing the Scottish Rite, wished tore-establish it, in order 
to be at the head of it. This Consistory has been inaugurated ; you know it, 
M. AV., for you were admitted into it for proper causes. The manner in which 
the degrees were conferred in this spurious Consistory is, and will be, an 
eternal shame to the Brother who has conferred them. 

" If Masonry is so often an object of mockery, if it is so often treated as 
nonsense by men of the world, and even by some Masons, it is certainly owing 
to the conduct of such men as make a traffic of it, either morally or pecuni- 
arily. The Supreme Council to which I have the henor of belonging, and 
which, in the Masonic world, is the only real and legitimate Supreme Council 
for Louisiana, has declared this Consistory * spurious.' The good faith of 
many members of this new fangled Consistory has been abused, and I myself, 
after having had the satisfaction of proving, to some of them, that our Su- 
preme Council v/as the only real, authority was commissioned by Brother 



240 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Prehu, in his own name, in that of his brother, and of Brother George Arnold 
Holt, to declare and proclaim to all the brethren, that every thing had been 
misrepresented to them by the Ex Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, and 
that they had sent in their resignation ; and yon yourself, M. W. Grand Master, 
you have told me that you had caused this mock Consistory to cease its 
works, because you had found out its spuriousness.'" [Ladebat's Letter, 
1853.] 

It appears that, subsequently, a disagreement of some kind 
took place in the Supreme Council of Louisiana, which resulted 
in the resignation of Messrs. Foulhouze, Collens, Faget and" 
Massicott, also Lisbony and Laraothe. Brother Foulhouze 
resigned and withdrew his membership in July, and the remain- 
der in December, 1853. (See Appendix, Document 30, Part 
First.) That in January, 1855, the " Mackey Consistory '' of 
1852, before alluded to by Brother Ladebat, in his able letter 
to Gedge, and the old Consistory of 1813, entered into prelim- 
inaries in a Convention held by the two bodies, in which it 
was agreed, that all their difficulties should be referred to the 
decision of the " Supreme Council of Charleston " for 
adjudiciation. This decision of the bodies was undoubtedly 
brought about by the resignation and withdrawal of the before 
mentioned members, leaving the disaffected ones to pursue 
their own course. No one who is at all acquainted with the 
history of the Charleston body, will be long in coming to a 
conclusion what that decision would be. It was, of course, 
adverse to the Supreme Council of Louisiana, and the old 
Consistory of 1813. Whereupon, the remaining members of 
the Supreme Council dissolved that body, and the members of 
the old Consistory of 1813, which Brother Ladebat was a 
member of, transferred all its " rights, powers and privileges " 
to the spurious Consistory of 1852, which Brother Ladebat 
had so truthfully described in 1853. This was followed by a 
" Concordat,^^ or Articles of Union, between the Supreme Coun- 
cil sitting at New Orleans (disaffected members, who were left 
by those who resigned), and the Supreme Council at Charleston, 
the latter body becoming the ruling power, while the former 
became Honorary Members of the Charleston body, and Depu- 
ties for the State of Louisiana. This was consummated in 
February, 1855, and the result was, the Consistory of the year 



^V7 



SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM. 241 

1852 became the ruling body for Louisiana, and continues so, 
as a dependent of the Charleston body up to the present day. 
(See Appendix, Document 30, Part First.) 

In the meantime, the members who withdrew in 1853, viz., 
Brothers Foulhouze, Collens, Dufau, Lisbony, Faget and Massi- 
cot, united together, and re-established the Supreme Council 
under James Foulhouze as their Grand Commander. In the 
raionth of February, 1855, the date of the Charleston Concor- 
dat, the meetings of the Supreme Council were suspended, and 
did not commence again until October, 1856. But they had 
previously entered a solemn protest against the Concordat, 
and, at the same time, declared the Supreme Council to be still 
in existence, and that it continued its works. 

At the Special Meeting in October, 1856, present. Brothers 
James Foulhouze, Pierre Soule, Thomas Wharton Collens, 
J. B. Faget, Jean Lamothe, J. J. E. Massicot, Juan Bachino, 
J. B. Broue, Louis Dufau, Bomain Brugiere and Joseph Lis- 
bony ; the request of several Scotch Masonic bodies was pre- 
sented, viz., that the Supreme Council would take them under 
their charge, and receive them under its jurisdiction. The 
request was unanimously acceeded to, and Officers to the Su- 
preme Council were immediately elected. J. J. E. Massicot 
was elected as Grand Commander, succeeded by James Foul- 
houze in April, 1857, who continues up to the present time. 

That Supreme Council has now under its jurisdiction, 
eighteen Symbolic Lodges, fourteen Rose Croix Chapters, and 
twelve Councils of Kadosch, and appears to be in a very flour- 
ishing condition. Although the Charleston body, under the 
superintendence and direction of Brother Mackey, have ex- 
pelled Brother Foulhouze, and have published it far and near, 
yet it does not seem to have much efl^cct in the Masonic world. 
Like the edicts of his illustrious predecessor, De La Motta, of 
notable and happy memory, his " hull " seems to be powerless, 
and his productions, as in many other cases, fall ^^ still born^ 
The reply of the Supreme Council will be found in the Appen- 
dix, (Document 30, Part Second.) So then, the present state of 
matters in New Orleans, Louisiana, is, one Supreme Council, 



242 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Independent, and one Consistory, Thirty-second degree, De- 
pendant, upon the Charleston body. 

Perhaps, in concluding this part of the history, it would be 
proper for us to state, that the attempt is made in the foregoing, 
to set forth the simple ^^ facts " in the case, but that to all the 
Fraternity who feel interested in the ^^ differences^^ existing 
with the New Orleans bodies, we would say, that a full account 
thereof is given in the book published by Brother Foulhouze, 
on one side, and by Brothers Lamarre and Ladebat, on the 
other, to which they can refer at leisure. 



CHAPTER NINTH. 

FURTHER PROGRESS OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED 

RITE. 

History of the Supreme Council for the United States of America, her Terri- 
tories and Dependencies resumed. — Henry C. Atwood. — the New Council ; 
how formed ; and the reasons. — List of its Officers. — J. J. J. Gourgas. — 
General Grand Chapter. — C. C. Sebring. — The maiden Edict of the Gour- 
gas Supreme Council. — Convention at Chicago. — Rev. Bro. Walker. — 
Lodge of Perfection in New Tork under Gourgas. — Re-organization of the 

Supreme Council under Jeremy L. Cross The Terms and Conditions. — 

List of its Officers. — The Edict and Appeal. — Reply to a previous Edict 

and also to the present one by the Gourgas Council. — Masonic publications 

Edict by the Charleston Council denying the authenticity of the Patent of 
Jeremy L. Cross. — Copy of the Patent with the attestation of one of the 
signers — Resignation of Jeremy L. Cross. — Reasons. — Re-organization and 
Installation by the 111. Bro. James Foulhouze, Sov.*. Gr.-. Commander for 
Louisiana. — List of Officers Installed — Treaty between the Supreme Coun- 
cil for the United States and the Supreme Council for Louisiana. — Leblanc 
de Marconnay. — General Mosquera. — Resignations. — List of Officers in 
1855.— Petition for New Bodies.— Death of III.-. Bro.-. Henry C. At- 
wood. — List of Officers in 1857. — Supreme Council for the State of Con- 
necticut. — Bodies under its Jurisdiction. — Supreme Council for the State 
of California — Sov .-. Gr .-. Consistory for the State of New Jersey. — Sov .-. 
Gr .-. Consistory for the State of Massachusetts — History of the Gourgas 

Council established in 1848. — Split. — Raymond Council — Recapitulation 

Sublime Lodge of Perfection at Albany, New York. — Giles Fonda Yates. 
— A Review of his Speech. — Facts stated. — Conclusion of the work of the 
Sublime Lodge. 

We will now return and take up the history of the Supreme 
Council of the United States of America, and bring it to 
a close. 

It will be remembered that in the year 1837, a split took 
place in the Supreme Council, or rather, more properly speak- 
ing, a division was made by reason of the expulsion of Brother 
Henry C. Atwood and his coadjutors, from the Grand Lodge 



244 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

of the State of New York. At this time a second, or new 
Grand Lodge was formed, under the title of " St. Joh'nJs Grand 
Lodge,^^ which chartered its own Lodges. It will also be 
recollected that Mr. Atwood, at this time, was Sovereign 
Grand Inspector General, Thirty-third degree, and held the 
power of the same, confirmed and countersigned by Dewitt 
Clinton, the M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander, which, ac- 
cording to the Laws and Constitutions of the Order, gave him 
the power for life, to establish, congregate, superintend and 
instruct Lodges, Chapters, Colleges, Consistories and Councils 
of the Royal and Military Order of Ancient and Modern Free 
Masonry, over the surface of the two hemispheres, &c. Taking 
advantage of his position as a Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General, he chartered a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, under 
the title of Orient Chapter, a Council of Royal and Select 
Masters, and an Encampment of Knights Templar. Under 
this organization, in the course of a few years the bodies pros- 
pered, and largely increased in numbers. He, at the same time, 
continued the meetings of Lafayette Rose Croix Chapter, 
being its presiding officer, and established a Consistory of Sub- 
lime Princes of the Royal Secret. In due time he gathered 
around him the old members of the United Supreme Council, 
who, with others that had been elevated to the Thirty- third 
degree he formed a Supreme Council which took the place of 
the old body which had been dissolved. 

This happened in the year 1846, or nine years after the 
formation of St. John's Grand Lodge. From 1832 to 1837 the 
Consistory and Rose Croix Chapter moved on in harmony : 
but when the expulsion of the members of St. John's Grand 
Lodge took place, many of the old members of the Council 
withdrew, leaving Brothers Atwood, Marsh, Piatt and others 
in possession. They continued to work on, and at the time 
alluded to, viz., 1846, on hearing of the dissolution .of the 
body, composed then of but four members, they at once took 
their place. Bro. Marsh died early in the year 1846, so that 
his name does not appear in the new Council. Nor does Bro. 
Piatt's name appear, so that the Consistory as then constituted, 
on this account, was made up entirely of new men who had 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 245 

been initiated under the auspices of, and were members of St. 
John's Grand Lodge. It consisted of the following persons : 

The 111. Brothers. 

Henry C. Atwood, Sov .-. Grand Commander, 

John W. Timpson, Deputy " *' 

John AY. Simons, Lieut. " " 

Edmund B. Hays, Minister of State, 

Daniel Sickles, Grand Secretary General of the H. E., 

George E. Marshall, Grand Treasurer, 

Thomas Hyatt, " Keeper of the Seals, 

A. Colo Veloni, " Master of Ceremonies, 

David Cochrane, " Captain of the Guard. 

This organization continued in existence, up to the time of 
the union of the two Grand Lodges, in the winter of 1850 and 
1851. In the month of April of the latter year, the Council 
was re-organized, the causes which led to it being as follows : 

In 1846, as has been before remarked, a portion of the 
United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere, presided 
over by Elias Hicks, was brought to an end. Mr. Gourgas 
had lived in perfect obscurity, from the time of the overthrow 
of his " body " in the year 1818, from which time, up to 1848, 
he Avas utterly unknown to the Masonic world. During the 
years 1845 and 1846, a movement was made by some persons, 
to build up a Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted 
Eite. They found that the United Supreme Council had dis- 
continued its meetings, also that Masonry was on the increase. 
The matter had been canvassed over at the preceding meeting 
of the General Grand Chapter, and some efforts were there 
made to gain adherents. They were successful as it regarded 
numbers, preparatory to their organizing as a body. They 
began to canvass among themselves who should be their head, 
or Grand Commander. Hearing that 111. Bro. C. C. Sebring, a 
member of the Supreme Council at Charleston, resided at 
Tarrytown, New York, they waited upon him, and requested 
him to become, by virtue of his power, their Grand Commander 
for the Northern Jurisdiction. On looking over the list of 
names then presented to him, Mr. Sebring replied to them, that 
it was true he was a member of the Charleston Council, but 
that he did not know Mr. Gourgas, as either a member of the 



246 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Council or a Mason, that he (Mr. Gourgas) was never a mem- 
ber of the Charleston body ; that he was entirely unacquainted 
with all the other gentlemen, and declined having any thing to 
do witli them whatever. Failing in this application, they con- 
sulted together, and after due deliberation, made up their Coun- 
cil of the following persons, with Gourgas at their head, viz., 
J. J. J. Gourgas, Giles Fonda Yates, Edward A. Raymond, 
Killian H. Van Rensselaer, John Christie, Charles W. Moore 
and Archibald Bull. Having organized themselves, they issued 
their hrst, or maiden edict, bearing date of June 1st, 1848. 
But it is not probable that they were fairly and completely 
organized before 1848, as Brother Mitchell thus speaks of them 
in his Masonic History, Vol. 2, page 88 : 

" To guard against evil surmises, the author deems it proper to state that, 
in 1847, the Rev. Bro. Walker, then an Episcopal Minister at Chicago, and 
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, invited or called a Convention 
of Royal Arch Masons, from that and the surrounding States. To this Con- 
vention Brother Walker exhibited his authority, given him by the ' Grand 
Council of New York,' over which Brother J. J. J. Gourgas presided. The 
author was invited to deliver a public address to said Convention ; and during 
his visit, Brother Walker, in the presence of the late Brother Barney, com- 
municated to him all the degrees of the said Scotch Rite. When he received 
the Thirty-third, and the charges appertaining, he respectfully, but firmly, de- 
nounced the whole, as inconsistent with, if not opposed to, Free Masonry ; 
whereupon Brother Walker very properly withheld from him such documents 
as, otherwise he would have been entitled to. And now he is told by the 
Brother who claims to have written and delivered said authority, that Brother 
Walker transcended his powers. Be this as it may, the recipient feels no sort 
of concern, as he has never sought or desired intercourse with the Society, but 
he confesses that, with the imperfect knowledge of the degrees as communica- 
ted, he did seek and desire to know more of their history, &c." 

From which we conclude that the authority given to Brother 
Walker was the individual power of Gourgas, who, from the 
mere fact of his being a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 
has assumed this power, probably giving other names as officers 
than those which appear on the document of 1848. We judge 
thus, because it is not usual, or in order, for any lawful body 
of men (Masonic) to give such power to any individual mem- 
ber, either to initiate an assemblage of men into the degrees, 
or to confer the Thirty-third. There could not have been an 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 247 

organized body at this time under the " Statutes, Institutes, ^c," 
for if there had been, this power could never have been given, 
unless by a special decree of the full body. It is in direct con- 
travention of the laws. And further, we judge thus, because 
Brother Walker's name does not appear on the document of 
1848, nor on any published proceedings or acts of any of their 
bodies, not even as a member. It is very evident that he was 
to have acted an important part in this new body. He had 
been Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of the State of New 
York, and was, at the time referred to, the M. W. Grand Mas- 
ter of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, an Episcopal clergyman, 
and one who was very well known to the Masonic fraternity. 
But he was left out to make room for others, who, perhaps, 
were better known and more deserving. 

As has been before mentioned, the first public intimation 
that was had of such a body, was the issue of a published Cir- 
cular, under date of June 1st, 1848, which was directed to all 
the Grand Lodges in the United States, and duly forwarded ; 
but from a careful examination of the published proceedings of 
all of them, in that year and the year following, we do not find 
that any notice whatever was taken of it, in any of these 
bodies, with one exception. That body was the Grand Lodge 
of Connecticut. In the published proceedings of this body, in 
the year 1849, this document was inserted at the end of the 
book, as a ''fly-leaf; " no mention whatever being made of it 
in the proceedings. This circumstance brought down the 
" censure of the Grand Lodge " upon the Grand Secretary, for 
allowing it to appear in the book. He pleaded ignorance in 
mitigation, stating that he found it among the " Documents,^^ 
and supposed it was proper to print it, and was not aware at 
the time, that the Grand Lodge had voted it under the table. 
The Document will be found in the Appendix, No. 31. 

This publication would have passed without notice and have 
been forgotten, but for the occurrence of a slight circumstance. 
A dissatisfaction had arisen among one or two of the members 
of St. John's Grand Lodge, relative to these degrees. They 
sought out Gourgas in his obscurity, obtained from him the de- 
grees, and subsequently established a Lodge of Perfection in 



248 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

the city of New York. They were zealous in the cause, had a 
room very splendidly fitted up, and proceeded with the work 
under the protection of Gourgas. This brought the new Coun- 
cil into notice, and the members of that Lodge, smarting under 
the slight which they felt that they had suffered, were ready at 
all times, on their part, to fan the sparks of discord into a 
flame. No means were left by them untried, to bring the old 
Supreme Council, or Atwood Council, as it was then termed, 
into contempt. It was at this stage of proceedings that the 
Author entered into the work of attempting to build up the 
old Council on a better foundation. He had been absent from 
the city for the two preceding years, and during that time; the 
union of the two Grand Lodges had taken place. There was 
nothing to prevent a complete union of the members of the old 
body, and accordingly, in the year 1851, the work was com- 
menced in earnest. 

In order that it should be properly effected, it was deemed 
necessary to find a Grand Commander, if possible, one of the 
old members. But most of them, together with the active 
members, had passed away, or had removed from the city. It 
happened that Bro. Jeremy L. Cross was then a resident. 
Knowing that he held a Power or Patent, as Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General, both from the Sovereign Grand Consistory 
and from the Supreme Grand Council of Charleston, South 
Carolina, the former bearing date 1815, and the latter 1825, 
full and complete, the author waited upon him, and explained 
to him the necessity of taking a stand in the matter, in order 
to overcome the strong opposition which was then developing 
itself against the old Council. Mr. Cross then brought forth 
his Patent, which had lain dormant from the time of its recep- 
tion, and stated that he had never used it, because of his at- 
tachment to the ritual, and the principles of Ancient York 
Masonry, as well as on account of the light opinion he had 
entertained of the so-called " Ineffable degrees.''^ He was an old 
man. From his young days he had been educated in that 
system ; he had labored earnestly through the years of his 
life to build it up, and was so firmly fixed in his opinions, 
that he saw no other Masonry in the world but that par- 



SUPREME COUXCIL— U. S. A. 249 

ticular form, and that all else under that name must be sub- 
servient, and give to it, viz., the York Rite, precedency in all 
things. But at the same time, he manifested a willingness to 
take the office, if it was clear that he could benefit the Order 
of Ancient York Masonry, to which he was so much attached. 

The conditions on which Mr. Cross gave his consent to be- 
come the Grand Commander of the Council were as follows : 

First, That it should be a fundamental law of the Council, 
that none but Royal Arch Masons should be received up to the 
Sixteenth degree, or Prince of Jerusalem, and 

Second, The remaining degrees open only to Knights Temp- 
lar. Although this was virtually closing the doors of the 
bodies under the jurisdiction of the Council, against a very 
large number who were desirous of being initiated, yet these 
conditions were acceded to, at least for the present time, and 
the reorganization was commenced. Bro. Henry C. Atwood, 
although holding authority from the old Council, and at that 
time Grand Commander, consented to take any office that 
would most conduce to the interest of the body, and according- 
ly the M. W. Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Con- 
necticut, Bro. Wm. H. Ellis, was solicited to take an office in 
the body. He consented, and was assigned the office of 111. 
Minister of State. The M. W. Past Grand Master of the 
Grand Lodge of New Jersey, Bro. John S. Darcy, M. D., also 
accepted an office ; also the Rev. Salem Town, W. G. Chap- 
lain of the Grand Lodge of New York. Also Wm. H. Jones, 
Past Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. 
Brother John W. Simons and the Author, completed the 
required number. W. Bro. Haswcll, of Vermont, declined, 
and his name was at once erased, according to his request. 
Bro. Cross named him as an Officer, being entirely unac- 
quainted with his feelings, and presuming upon a long friend- 
ship. It was thought at the time this reorganization was com- 
pleted, that the array of influential names would give a charac- 
ter to the body among the Fraternity, who were well acquain- 
ted with them all, and accordingly, as soon as all was in 
readiness, the following Edict was published, together with a 
full notification in the daily papers : 



250 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

(See Appendix, Document 32.) 
It is proper to mention here, that to this Document were ap- 
pended five Seals : the date of four of which were 1815, and 
the Rose Croix Seal, the year 1795. These Seals were the 
property of Mr. Cross ; his own Seals, bearing date at the 
time he was received into the Supreme Council at New York, 
and constituted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, with 
power to confer the degrees, which power he never made any 
use of, as has been before stated. They were not a counter- 
feited article, as his opponents have been pleased to assert. 
He also received at the same time, from the hands of Mr. Cer- 
neau and the hands of Mr. Thomas Lownds, a full set of the 
rituals of all the degrees. This set was one of the three men- 
tioned in the notes at the end of the Document in the Appen- 
dix, and was in his possession at the time he was the presiding 
ojfficer of the Council. One other set came from the Louisiana 
Consistory, and the third from the Supreme Council at 
Charleston. Bro. John Barker and himself both having a 
copy. The Rose Croix Seal dated 1795 was a copy of the 
Seal which he had in his possession, being that of the *' Triple 
Union Rose Croix Chapter'' of that date. 

In the publications and Documents issued by the Supreme 
Council since that time, these Seals have been copied, thereby 
leading some persons astray as it regards the date of the origin 
of the Council, viz., 1807. Theseremarks are made to correct 
this error. 

As might have been supposed, the announcement which 
appeared in the daily papers, of the re-organization of the Su- 
preme Council, and the issuing of this Document, stirred up all 
the ire of the opposite body, as well as the Supreme Council at 
Charleston, and brought forth from them the replies which will 
be found in the Appendix, Document No. 33. 

The two " counterfeited '' stamps, mentioned by the New 
York body, have no allusion whatever to the Document to 
which the name of Mr. Cross is attached — but to Docu- 
ment 34. 

Following close upon these circulars, the 111. Bro. Charles 
W. Moore, Editor of the Free Masons Monthly Magazine, of 



SUPEEME COUNCIL— U. S. A. . 251 

Boston, and 111. Bro. Albert G. Mackey, M. D., Editor of a 
Masonic monthly in Charleston, opened their batteries with all 
the virulence and bitterness of De La Motta in his palmy days. 
Having no desire to take up space in the history by a repro- 
duction of any of these memorials of folly, we will proceed. 

At the re-organization in 1851, many of the old members of 
the Council came in. In the month of June, Hon. John W. 
Mulligan, Past Grand Commander, visited the body, and con- 
firmed the proceedings of the same. The meetings now 
became regular, and a union of the Grand Lodges having pre- 
viously taken place, all former causes of difference and dissen- 
sion were removed. The correspondence with various Supreme 
Councils was renewed, and Petitions were received for the 
re-organization of several subordinate bodies. 

In 1852, in consequence of the continued ill health of the M. 
P. Sov. Grand Commander, Bro. Jeremy L. Cross, he was 
obliged to tender his resignation, and shortly after, removed 
from the city to Haverhill, New Hampshire, where he remained 
until his death. Rev. Salem Town also had resigned his office 
as Grand Keeper of thef Seals. 

In accordance with the petition of the members of " Jerusa- 
lem Chapter, Rose Croix," that body was re-organized and 
again commenced its labors. " Lafayette Chapter Rose 
Croix '"' also re-commenced its work under the old Warrant. 

Several communications were received during the year from 
the Supreme Grand Council of Louisiana, for one of which see 
Document 36 ; and in the month of July, The M. 111. Grand 
Commander, James Foulhouze, presented himself from that 
Supreme Council, with proper credentials, and was received 
in ample form. There were various weighty reasons which, at 
this time, called for a new organization. Mr. Cross had been 
prostrated by disease, had resigned, and removed from the 
city. The office of Grand Commander was vacant. Rev. 
Salem Town had also resigned. Under the present organiza- 
tion, the officers were so far from the city, and from each other, 
that it was found almost an impossible thing to get a full 
meeting of the body for the transaction of the most important 
business. And further, the " rules " laid down by the Grand 



252 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Commander concerning the " reception of candidates,'^ debarred 
any new members from coming in. 

As 111. Bro. Foulhouze was then present, and the members 
being desirous that the list of officers should be full, the fol- 
lowing brethren were then installed by Bro. Foulhouze, in his 
official capacity : 

The Most Xllustrious Brothers, 

Henry C. Atwood, M. P. Sov. Grand Commander, 
Eugene Yatet, " " Deputy " " 

Dezelius, Lieut. " '' 

F. RouLLiER, Grand Keeper of the Seals, 

David Cochrane, " Master of Ceremonies, 

William Work, " Standard Bearer, 

Edward Unkart, 111. Grand Treasurer, 

Robert B. Folger, " Secretary General. 

Charles G. Waterbury, Gr.-. Captain of the Guards. 
A Treaty of Union was entered into between the two Coun 
oils, and the 111. Bro. Foulhouze sailed for France during the 
latter part of that month, (July,) bearing with him the united 
application of both Supreme Councils, to the Grand Orient of 
France, for recognition, and a renewal -of the correspondence 
which had ceased. 

Bro. Foulhouze returned from France in the month of 
December, and presented to the Supreme Council the Report 
of Leblanc de Marconnay, Orator of the Chamber of Council 
and of Appeals, also a very interesting letter from 111. Bro. 
Marconnay to the Grand Commander, encouraging the hope, 
that so soon as a meeting of the body should take place, the 
probability was, that the recognition and acknowledgement 
would be confirmed. This hope, however, was not realized. 

But for various reasons we would here recapitulate. The 
testimony has been given concerning the establishment of the 
Consistory in 1807 — its uninterrupted continuance up to the 
year 1828 — its re-establishment as the " United Supreme Coun- 
cil " in 1832 — its continuance up to 1846, when it ceased. Also 
the particulars concerning the ''split'' in 1837 — the formation 
and continuance of the Consistory there up to 1851, when the 
reorganization took place under the full authority of Jeremy L. 
Cross — those proceedings confirmed by Hon. John W. Mulli- 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 253 

gan. Past Grand Commander of the Sovereign Grand Consis- 
tory. We now come to the second confirmation, viz., the Su- 
preme Council of New Orleans, which succeeded the United 
Supreme Council in 1839, was acknowledged by the Grand 
Orient of France, and in full correspondence with the same. 
111. Bro. James Foulhou^e was at that time Grand Comman-* 
der, and possessed full plenipotential powers for all his acts. 

The powers to which the author alludes, were given by the 
Supreme Council of New Orleans. The Document appointing 
him was signed by the members of that body, was in posses- 
sion of the Author, by him presented to the Supreme Council 
here. The Document was carefully examined, and was known 
to be true. The Signatures and Seals were correct, and the 
Document was in proper form. Subsequent letters from the 
members of the Supreme Council of New Orleans, received by 
the Author during the absence of Bro. Foulhouze, confirm the 
authenticity of that Document. 

In 1853, the Sovereign Chapter Princes of Rose Croix, un- 
der the definitive title of " La Sincerite/^ chartered by the Su- 
preme Council of New Orleans, came under the jurisdiction 
of the Supreme Council here. On the 8th day of March, a 
Petition was received from a number of brethren, asking 
for a Scottish Lodge in che Symbolic degrees, under the 
definitive title of " John, the Forerunner,^' the ritual to be per- 
formed in the English language. Said Petition was acted 
upon, and the prayer of the petitioners was granted unani- 
mously. Also a Petition from a Constitutional number of 
brethren, (French,) asking for a Lodge in the Symbolic de- 
grees, under the definitive title of " La Sincerite,'^ Ancient and 
Accepted Rite, the ritual to be performed in the French lan- 
guage. Said Petition was unanimously granted, and the 
Lodge subsequently constituted in due form. On the 1st day 
of April, 111. Bros. Henri Rilliet and Gustav. Coutant, having 
been proposed as members of the Supreme Council, and 
accepted, were received in due form — were constituted and 
proclaimed as Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, Thirty- 
third degree. 

In the early part of the year, the 111. Bro. Leblanc de Mar- 



254 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED 

connay, Orator to the Chamber of Council and of Appeals, 
was elected an Honorary Member of this Supreme Council, 
and a Diploma forwarded to him, with other Documents. 

On the 4th day of April, the M. P. and 111. Bro. General T. 
C. de Mosquera, of New Granada, was received in ample form 
by the Supreme Council, and the most friendly congratulations 
were exchanged. In the following October, a reply was 
received from the Grand Orient and Supreme Council of New 
Granada, forming an alliance with the Supreme Council of 
New York, and appointing T. 111. Bro. Henri Rilliet, Repre- 
sentative for the Grand Orient and Supreme Council of New 
Granada, near the Supreme Council of New York. 
(See Document No. 37, Appendix.) 

Owing to some difficulties occurring with the German Fra- 
ternity, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, 
T. 111. Bro. Edward Unkart, Treasurer General, tendered his 
resignation to the Supreme Council, which was received and 
acted upon. A vote of thanks was passed for services rendered, 
and the vacancy made by his resignation was filled by 111. 
Bro. Henri Rilliet, thus preserving the offices complete. 

In the early part of the year 1854, the resignation of T. 111. 
Bros. Eugene Yatet, Florimond Roullier and Dezelius were 
received and accepted, after which they withdrew their mem- 
bership from the Council. Some difficulties and dissensions 
having arisen in " Lodge La Sincerite JYo. 2,'' the labors of that 
Lodge were suspended, and the said Lodge subsequently with- 
drew from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council, and placed 
itself under the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. With 
the exception of the above named brethren, the Officers of the 
Council remained the same as before. The withdrawal of 
'' La Sincerite Lodge " was altogether owing to influences from 
opposing brethren. 

In 1855 the following Officers were elected : 

The Most Illustrious Brothers, 

Henry C. Atwood, Grand Commander, 
Edmund B. Hays, Deputy Grand Commander, 
Daniel Sickles, Illustrious Minister of State, 
Hopkins Thompson, Grand Keeper of the Seals, 



SUPREME COUXCIL— U. S. A. 255 

The Most Illustrious Brothers, 

Charles W.WiLLETTS, Grand Master of Ceremonies, 
Charles W. Atwood, " Standard Bearer, 
Henry Rilliet, " Treasurer General, 

Robert B. Folger, * '* Secretary General, 
Dayid Cochrane, " Captain of the Guards. 

At the first meeting in March, a Petition was received from 
ten brethren, who purposed to take all the degrees, with the 
view of establishing a Lodge of Perfection, a Council of Princes 
of Jerusalem, a Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, a Council of 
Kadosch, and a Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Eoyal 
Secret. After a proper examination and inquiry had been 
made, the Petition of the above mentioned brethren was acted 
upon, and proper instructions given concerning the manner of 
receiving the degress, before an answer could be given in full. 

In the month of May following, the above brethren having 
received the degrees, renewed their Petition for a Sublime 
Lodge of Perfection, which was acted upon favorably, and the 
said Lodge was duly constituted May 2d, under the distinctive 
title of " Atlantic JYo. 1." At a subsequent meeting of the 
Council, the Petition for the remaining bodies was renewed, 
and acted upon favorably. And by the latter part of July, 
same year, Warrants of Constitution were issued for a Council 
of Princes of Jerusalem, a Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, 
a Council of Kadosch, ajid a Council of Sublime Princes of the 
Royal Secret, all of which were duly constituted, the whole 
being completed by September lat. The number of members 
to those bodies increased with rapidity. 

During this year, T. 111. Bro. Seth Driggs, S. G-. I. G., and 
Grand Commander of the Grand Consistory, Island of Trini- 
dad, renewed his membership with the Supreme Council, and 
deposited his former Commission with the same. — Commission 
was renewed. Also 111. Bro. Doctor Richard S. Spofford, 
Deputy Inspector General for the State of Massachusetts, re- 
siding at Newburyport, deposited his Commission, which was 
renewed. 

Applications were also received from the States of Maine 
and New Hampshire by parties who were desirous of establish- 
ing a Consistory in each of those States. The number of the 



256 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

applicants being constitutional, and their recommendations 
unexceptionable, the application was placed in the hands of 
111. Bro. Jeremy L. Cross, with the request that proper inquiry- 
should be made, and a report rendered to the Supreme Council 
as early as it could be done. The state of health in which 
Bro. Cross then was, prevented a speedy reply. The general 
affairs of the Supreme Council during this year were in a pros- 
perous condition. 

In 1856 the Ofi&cers were the same. All the bodies depen- 
dent upon the Supreme Council continued their labors in har- 
mony, and the prospect of a continuance of good feeling among 
the brethren was more than usually flattering, especially as the 
strong opposition which had hitherto disturbed the peace of 
the brethren had ceased. 

A correspondence had been commenced with the Supreme 
Council of Belgium during the closing part of the year, which, 
in April following, produced a very favorable reply, with the 
acknowledgement of the body, and the appointment of a 
Representative near the Council at Brussels, viz., T. 111. Bro. 
Edward Fischer, Thirty-third. 

(See Document No. 38, Appendix.) 

During the succeeding four years, until January, 1860, there 
is not much to record, except the usual routine business per- 
taining to the body. 111. Bro. Henry C. Atwood removed 
from the city to the State of Connecticut, on account of ill 
health. His infirmities continued to increase upon him after 
his removal, and in the month of September, 1860, he died. 
He was, perhaps, while living, one of the most expert workmen 
in the " Art of Masonry " to be found, and left behind him a 
name, which will long be remembered with pleasure, by the 
Fraternity at large. His perception was quick, his memory 
retentive, his zeal and industry in acquiring Masonic knowl- 
edge, unsurpassed. And he was always apt and ready to im- 
part to others, all the knowledge he was himself possessed of, 
having a faculty for this peculiar calling, which very few per- 
sons are found to possess. Naturally headstrong and obstinate, 
with great independence of thought, he, like all others of this 
class, made many enemies ; but there were traits of kindness 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 257 

in his character which were strongly marked, the remembrance 
of which, covers, as with a mantle, his errors and imperfections, 
and call forth feelings of tenderness and regret, when we 
realize that he has departed, to return no more. 

The changes in the offices, which took place during these 
four years, were quite few and unimportant. In 1857, Bro. 
Eobert B. Folger tendered his resignation as Secretary Gen- 
eral, being unable to attend to the duties of the office on 
account of intended absence from the city. In 1858, Bro. 
Daniel Sickles retired ; and in 1859, Bro. Henri Rilliet with- 
drew on account of ill health. These offices were all filled at 
once, and the work of the body continued with the usual dili- 
gence and unanimity. On the death of 111. Bro. Atwood, who 
was then Grand Commander, the following persons were 
elected to fill the offices of the body : 

The Most Illustrious Brothers, 

Edmund B. Hays, M. P. Sov. Grand Commander, 
Hopkins Thompson, " " Lieut. " " 

George L. Osborn, III. Secretary General of the H. E., 

Egbert E. Egberts, " Treasurer " " " 

Charles W. Atwood, " Grand Keeper of the Seals and Archives, 
Charles W. Willetts, " Minister of State, and Grand Orator, 
WiLLiAii Work, " Grand Standard Bearer, 

TVm. H. Jarvis, " " Captain of the Guards. 

, During the year 1858, a considerable number of brethren 
residing in Connecticut, who had received the degrees from 
the Supreme Council of New York, were anxious to establish 
a Supreme Council for that State ; and having made arrange- 
ments for that purpose, forwarded their request to the body in 
New York. They were accordingly constituted as follows : 

The ]\Iost Illustrious Brothers, 

Edward W. Atwood, M. P. Sov. Grand Commander, 
William E. Higby, Illustrious Lieut. " " 

Marcus C. Allen, " Secretary Gen'l of the H. E., 

David W. Thompson, " Treasurer " " " 

John W. Clark, " Min. of State, and Grand Orator, 

Charles Webb, Grand Keeper of the Seals and Archives, 

Thomas Hutchings, *" Master of Ceremonies, 

Ward S. Beebe, " Standard Bearer, 

Eli Thompson, " Captain of the Guards. 



258 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

This Supreme Council has under its jurisdiction, a Grand 
Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, Thirty- 
second degree ; a Council of Kadosch, Thirtieth degree ; a 
Sovereign Chapter of Princes of Rose Croix, Eighteenth de- 
gree ; a Council of Princes of Jerusalem, Sixteenth degree ; 
and a Lodge of Perfection, Fourteenth degree ; all of which 
are in a flourishing condition. The Grand East of this Su- 
preme Council is at Bridgeport, Connecticut. 



In 1860, several Illustrious Brethren, members of the Su 
preme Council here, who had, in past years, emigrated to Cal- 
ifornia, organized themselves as a body, and made application 
to be constituted a Supreme Grand Council for the State of 
California, to hold an East in the city of San Francisco. In 
accordance with their application, they were constituted as 
follows : 

The Most Illustrious Brothers, 

James 0. L. Wadsworth, M. P. Sov. Grand Commander, 

Leander Ransom, Illustrious Lieut. " " 

J. Frank Mijxer, " Secretary General of the H. E., 

John W. Tucker, " Treasurer 

William Norris, " Minister of State, and Grand Orator, 

Hiram W. Leonard, " Grand Keeper of the Seals, 

Clement Ferguson, " Master of Ceremonies, 

George F. Hooper, " Grand Standard Bearer. 

The Grand East of the Supreme Grand Council for the 
State of California is held in the city of San Francisco, and 
the Order is in a very flourishing condition there. Many new 
members have been added, and other bodies constituted by it, 
since its organization. 

On the 23d of January, 1862, nineteen Illustrious Brethren, 
residing in New Jersey, having received their degrees from the 
Supreme Council of New York, and having made application 
to be constituted into a Consistory for the State of New Jer- 
sey, were so constituted by the Supremo Grand Council of 
New York ; 111. Bro. Edmund B. Hays, Sovereign Grand 
Commander, and are now proceeding with the regular and 
constitutional work of the body. Its location is at Trenton, 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 259 

New Jersey. The Most 111. Bro. John Sheville is appointed 
Deputy Inspector General for that State. 

The following is a list of the Ofi&cers installed : 

Thomas J. Caksoxx, M. D., G. S. W. of the G. L., G. H. Priest of the 
Grand Chapter, and Grand Commander of the 
Grand Commaudery of New Jersey, 

Commander in Chief, 
George B. Edwards, Deputy Commander in Chief, 

Joseph H. Hough, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, 

1st Lieut .-. Commander, 
Wm. T, Woodruff, 2d 

Wm. E. Stagg, Grand Minister of State, 

Eeuben S. Yan Tassell, " Chancellor, 

John AYoolterton, M. D., Gr. Sec'y of the Grand Chapter, 

Grand Secretary, 
S. R. Terrill, " Treasurer, 

Wm. R. Clapp, *' Keeper of the Seals, 

Wm. Armstrong, " Engineer, 

W. G. Nicholson, ^' Hospitaller, 

James E. Emerson, " Master of Ceremonies, 

Charles Bechtel, • " Cap .-. of the Guards, 

John P. Nelson, " Standard Bearer, 

A. P. Howell, " Sentinel. 



111. Bros. David Naar and Thomas W. Satterthwaite, both 
members of the United Supreme Council for the Western Hem- 
isphere in 1832, and signers of the ratification of the Treaty 
in 1836, were present at the installation, and took an active 
part in the proceedings. 



On the 3d day of May, 1862, in compliance with the petition 
of a constitutional number of Illustrious Brothers, who had 
previously received their degrees from the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory, New York city, the Officers of the Supreme Grand 
Council for the United States of America, tlieir Territories 
and Dependencies, proceeded to Boston, Massachusetts, for the 
purpose of constituting a Grand Consistory, Thirty-second de- 
gree, for that State, and installing the Officers of the same. 
The ceremonies were of the most interesting character. 

The following is a list of the Officers installed : 



260 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Illustrious Brothers, 

Gilbert J. Nourse, Cambridge, P. M., P. H. Priest, P. G. G. of the 
Grand Enc't of Mass. and Rhode Island, &c., 

Grand Commander in Chief. 
John K. Hall, Somerville, P. M., H. Priest, Dist. Dep'y G. Master, &e., 

Deputy Grand Commander. 
Richard M. Barker, Boston, P. M., 1st Lieut. Grand Commander. 
Wm. F. Knowles, Cambridgeport, P. M., President of Council of Royal 
and Select Masons, &c., 

2d Lieut. Grand Commander. 
Richard S. Spofford, Jr., Newburyport, P. M., 

Ill .: Min .'. of State, and G .: .-. 
Nicholas Hathaway, Dorchester, P. M., 

Grand Chancellor. 
Elihu C. Baker, Medford, P. M., Ex President of the Senate, Mass., 

Grand Secretary. 
Albion K. P. Welch, Cambridge, P. M., 

Grand Treasurer. 
Robert Lewis Davis, Watertown, P. M., 

Grand Engineer and Introductor. 
Weare D. Bickford, Brighton, P. M., Grand Hospitaller. 
James R. Gardner, Boston, P. M., G. P. S. of Grand Chapter, Mass., 

Grand Master of Ceremonies. 
James R. Bugbee, Somerville, P. M., Grand Captain of the Guards. 
Daniel W. Lawrence, Medford, P. M., Grand Sentinel. 



MEMBERS. 

Benjamin F. Nourse, P. M., Grand Lecturer for Mass., 

John D. Jennings, P. M., 

L. Mudge, p. M., and "W. P. Butterfield, P. M. 

For list of Officers, Active and Honorary Members of the 
Supreme Grand Council for the United States of America, see 
Document 41. 

We shall now give a few particulars of the Gourgas Coun- 
cil, established in 1848, in the city of New York, styling itself 
the " Supreme Grand Council for the Northern Jurisdiction.'"' 

We have before stated that Mr. Gourgas was Secretary 
General of the Supreme Council started by De La Motta in 
181B, which body became extinct in the year 1818, unless it is 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 261 

conceded, that according to the version of the Constitntions of 
Frederick, " a Supreme Council once founded can never cease its 
existence, so long as one of the Inspectors remains alive J^ Upon 
this doctrine they base all their regularity and powers. Upon 
this ground Mr. Gourgas stands, and has remained, up to the 
present day. Hence all the wild and silly pretensions he has 
made during the time that he stood alone, from the year 1818 
up to the time of the formation of his new body in the year 
1847 or 1848, such as carrying on a correspondence with 
foreign bodies, conferring degrees, establishing Councils, 
issuing powers, &c., and hence much of the trouble and con- 
troversy under which the Fraternity have suffered for long 
years. And although, as a general thing, both at home and 
abroad, they consider the doctrine and the story of Frederick 
and his Constitutions, a forgery and a fraud, or to use the 
words of Kloss, '' the big lie of the Oi'der,'' yet that body have 
it stereotyped, and it makes its appearance regularly in all 
their published transactions, speeches, &c., up to the very last. 

If this doctrine be correct, what position would the Cerneau 
body occupy by the side of the Gourgas body ? Mr. Cerneau 
founded and established the Sovereign Grand Consistory and 
Supreme Council in 1807, which is more than six years ante- 
rior to the date of their formation, and from the hour of its 
first foundation up to the year 1862, there has never been a 
period of time in which there were not more than a dozen 
regular Inspectors living, who were in good standing in every 
particular. The question of regularity on this basis could be 
decided without a single moment's hesitation. But it happens 
that this very doctrine forms the distinguishing feature be- 
tween the two bodies, to wit., that the Cerneau body, from its 
very foundation, discarded it altogether, and declared itself to 
be governed by the Statutes and General Laws and Regula- 
tions of the Masonic Order. 

We hear nothing of Mr. Gourgas and " his Council during 
all this period, viz., from 1818 until 1848, except that he had 
established a Supreme Council in England, corresponded with 
foreign bodies, and conferred the several degrees upon numer- 
ous persons. In 1848 his Edict is 'issued, by which it appears 



262 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

that he has elevated to the Thirty-third degree several persons, 
and constituted them into a Supreme Council. The Edict may 
be found in the Appendix, Document 31. Its object is to define 
the position of the body by declaring the boundaries of its jurisdic- 
tion and the degrees luhich it assumes to control. It does not 
" renounce^^^ but merely " waives " its right to control the first 
three degrees, " to take it up again whenever circumstances may 
requireJ^ This doctrine is still advocated by both the Gourgas 
and the Charleston bodies. The officers appear in the Docu- 
ment as follows : 

J. J. J. Gourgas, M. P. Sov. Grand Commander, 33d, ad vitam, 

Giles Fonda Yates,M. 111. Insp. Lieut. " " " 

Edwakd a. Raymond, Illustrious Treasurer General of the H. E., 
KiLLiAN H. Van Rensselaer, •' Master of Ceremonies, 
John Christie, " Captain of the Life Guards, 

Charles W. Moore, '' Secretary General of the H. E., 

Archibald Bull, Sov. Grand Inspector General, 33d. 

This body continued its seat in New York city until the 
year 1851, during which period but little was effected in the 
way of building itself up. The Edicts issued by the body ap- 
pear in the Appendix, Document 33, with accompanying one 
from the Charleston body, both denying the authenticity of the 
Patent of 111 .*. Bro .*. Jeremy L. Cross. These Edicts, as we 
have before stated, were followed by very severe and uncalled 
for remarks in the Boston Masonic Monthly, edited by 111 .*. 
Bro .-. Charles W. Moore ; and by the Charleston Monthly, 
edited by 111.'. Bro.*. Albert G-. Mackey. A copy of the Patent, 
word for word, is therefore given in the Appendix, Document 
No. 35, attested by C. C. Sebring, Sov.*. Gr .*. Ins .*. Glen.'., 
Thirty-third, a member of the Charleston Council at the time 
it was given, and a signer of the same. It was attested in 
1851. At that time most of the signers had passed away. 
Moses Holbrook died in 1845 ; Frederick Dalcho in 1837 ; 
Horatio G-. Street in 1849 ; and M. Levy is reported as 
" deceased, but no date of his death J' Alexander McDonald, if 
alive, was residing in England ; and Joseph McCosh was sup- 
posed to be then residing in the Western part of the State of 
South Carolina ; James Moultrie, M. D., was then living in 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 263 

Charleston, South Carolina. These were the signers of the 
Patent. The exhibition of the Patent itself, together witii the 
attestation of 111 .*. Bro .*. Sebring ought to be satisfactory. 
Bro. Cross is ^ now dead, but the Document can be seen and 
examined at any time required. Its authenticity was never 
called in question by any other parties. 

Besides the above mentioned Edicts, there was issued pre- 
viously one other circular from the Sovereign Grand Consis- 
tory and Supreme Council under Henry C. Atwood, to which 
the Edict of the Gourgas body alludes. See Appendix, Docu- 
ment No. 35. 

In the year 1851, 111 .*. Bro .*. Gourgas resigned his post as 
Grand Commander, and the seat of the Supreme Council was 
removed to the city of Boston, Massachusetts. There was no 
official reason given at the time, why its location was changed. 
At the stated meeting of the body in September of that year, 
an address from 111 .'. Bro .'. J. J. J. Gourgas was read, in 
which he formally tendered his resignation into the hands of 
111.*. Bro .". Giles Fonda Yates. A short examination of its 
contents will be found in Document No. 40, to which the 
reader is referred. 

After the reading of this letter. 111 .*. Bro .*. Giles Fonda 
Yates followed with an address, in which he took occasion to 
repeat the story of Frederick of Prussia with all its connec- 
tions. He also made the statement, " that the principal de- 
grees of the rite appeared in an organized form in Prussia, 
France and Scotland in 1713, and that English brethren were 
working in ' Lodges of Harodun ' in Paris in 1725." Such 
statements as these, coming from a person who has hitherto 
been reputed as well informed upon Masonic subjects, would 
lead one to the inference that whoever had adopted such an 
opinion had been greatly mistaken. Those errors, with others 
contained in the address, are so gross as to need no comment. 
A portion of the address is reviewed at the end of this chap- 
ter. It was closed by his resigning the office of Sovereign 
Grand Commander into the hands of 111 .*. Bro .'. Edward A. 
Raymond. The list then stood : 



264 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Edward A. Raymond, of Boston, M. P. Sov. Gr. Commander, ad vitam, 

Robert P. Dunlap, " Brunswick, Me., M. 111. Lieut. Gr. Com., 

Simon W. Robinson, " Lexington, Mass., " Gr. Tr. Gen. of the H. E. 

Charles W, Moore, " Boston, " Gr. Sec. Gen. of the H. E. 

Giles F. Yates, " Schenectady, N. Y., '•' Grand Chancellor, H. E. 

Archibald Bull, " Troy, New York, "■ Sov. Gr. Insp. Gen. " 

Joseph K. Stapleton, " Baltimore, Md., " " " " " " 

Nathan B. Haswell, " Burlington, Yt., " 1st 111. Gr. Cap., L. G., 

Ammi B. Young, " Boston, Mass., " 2d " " " " 

There had not yet been formed a Consistory in any of the 
States of its jurisdiction. It appears by the published pro- 
ceedings that there were several applications for such bodies 
then before them, and it was announced that Yal .*. Bros .*. 
John D. Moriarty, Charles S. Westcott, and Wade B. Wor- 
rall, accredited officers of the Sublime Grand Lodge of Per- 
fection, and Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, established 
in- New York city, under the auspices of J. J. J. Gourgas, late 
Sovereign Grand Commander, had arrived for the purpose of 
receiving the Superior degrees. They were accordingly ex- 
alted to the Thirty-second" degree. Rev. Bro. Geo. M. Ran- 
dall, Deputy Grand Master of Massachusetts, and M. W. Wil- 
liam Field, Grand Master of Rhode Island, were also exalted 
to the same dignity. 

Applications were received from Yal .*. Bros .*. Jar vis M. 
Hatch, Wm. E. Lathrop and John L. Lewis, Jr., and their 
associates, asking for the establishment of a Lodge of Perfec- 
tion and Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem in Western 
New York ; and from Achille J. Rousseau, Richard Bloss, 
Amos K. Hadley, John S. Perry and their associates, for the 
same bodies in Eastern New York, which were acted upon 
favorably. 

The organization of the Sovereign Grand Consistory was 
then completed ; whereupon the M. W. Rev. Paul Dean, P. G. 
M. of Massachusetts, &c., Benjamin B. French, G. M. of G. L. 
of the District of Columbia, Philip C. Tucker, G. M. of the G. 
L. of Yermont, and Wm. H. Milnor, P. G. M. of the G. L. of 
New York, were proposed and elected in due form to receive 
the high degrees. 

The Rev. Bro. Albert Case, Thirty-third, hailing from the 



SUPRE^tE COUXCIL-U. S. A. 265 

Southern jurisdiction of the United States, but then a resident 
of Massachusetts, was recognized by affiliation. 

This ma}' fairly be considered as the commencement of the 
organization, and from this period the work of the body pro- 
gressed harmoniously. Through the succeeding years up to 
1860, the strife between the rival bodies had ceased, and by 
this period the Supreme Council for the Xorthcrn Jurisdiction 
had organized a Sovereign Grand Consistory in the city of 
Boston as its appendant body, had constituted Grand Consis- 
tories in the States of Ohio, New York, Rhode Island, Mass. 
Pennsylvania, Illinois ; in all of which States there were Chap- 
ters of Rose Croix, Councils of Princes of Jerusalem, and 
Lodges of Perfection. The whole number of bodies under their 
jurisdiction in 1861 was between thirty and forty, and their 
location was as follows, Boston and Lowell, in Mass.; Portland, 
Maine ; Portsmouth, New Hampshire ; Newport, Rhode Island ; 
Stonington and New Haven, Connecticut ; New York, Phila- 
delphia and Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Cambridge and Cincin- 
nati, Ohio ; and Chicago. Illinois. During the latter part of the 
time mentioned, the interest in the Order seems to have ceased, 
as the returns published, indicate but very little work done in 
the way of initiations. Still all the bodies continued their or- 
ganizations, and made their regular returns. 

The list of officers seems to have continued the same as in 
1851, with a few exceptions. The names of Giles Fonda Yates, 
Archibald Bull, Joseph H. Stapleton, and Nathan B. Haswell, 
were withdrawn, and in their places appear the names of the 
Rev. Albert Case, Wm. B. Hubbard, Charles Oilman and C. 
R. Starkweather. This was in 1859 — Giles Fonda Yates was 
then Deputy for the State of New York, John Christie for New 
Hampshire, and Killian H. Van Renssclear for Ohio. They 
notice the names of the following Sovereign Grand Inspectors 
General, residing within the jurisdiction, viz. : 
Rev. Paul Dean, Framingliam, Mass. 

JoHX J. J. GouRGAS, New York, N. Y. 
Hon. Archibald Bull, Troy, " 

Francis Turner, New Haven, Conn. 
Andres Cassard, New York City. 



266 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

This state of Harmony continued in the body through all 
this period, up to Aug. 24th 1860, the officers remaining as be- 
fore. Judging from the published proceedings of the bodies, 
all was quiet within. But there appears to have been serious 
dissatisfaction somewhere, and it culminated on the date above 
mentioned. The Sovereign Grand Commander, 111.*. Bro.'. 
Raymond, abruptly closed the Council in the midst of its pro- 
ceedings, sine die — without any apparent cause. Whereupon 
the 111 .*. Gr .". Commander retired. The brethren, officers of 
the Supreme Council, who remained, after having taken advice 
from 111 .*. Bro .*. Gourgas, met the next morning at 9 o'clock, 
and declaring that the Sov .*. G.'. Commander had acted in 
an unconstitutional manner, placed the 111 .*. Deputy Van Rens- 
selaer in the chair, who declared the Council open, for the 
dispatch of business. An Election then took place for the pur- 
pose of filling the vacancies in the Supreme Council, and the 
following Inspectors were unanimously elected, viz. : 

111.-. KiLLiAN Yan Rensselaer, P.*. Lieut.-. Gr.-. Commander, 

" C. R. Starkweather, Grand Minister of State, 

" John Christie, " Master of Ceremonies, 

" Archibald Bull, " Marshall, 

" Wm. B. Hubbard, " Standard Bearer. 

The Council also made the following appointments : 

111.-. C. R. Starkweather of Chicago, III.*. Deputy for Illinois, In- 
diana and Wisconsin. 

111.'. C. T. Carson, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Deputy for Ohio, Pennsyl- 
vania and Michigan. 

And as there was a disagreement in the body before, con- 
cerning the Rev. Albert Case and Peter Lawson, it was resol- 
ved, that the Rev. Albert Case was a member of the Supreme 
Council, in good standing, and the lawful Assistant Grand 
Secretary General of that body, and that Peter Lawson having 
been illegally and unconstitutionally elevated to the grade of 
Sovereign Grand Inspector General, it is hereby declared that 
this Council do not recognize him in that capacity. They also 
expelled the 111 .-. Bro .'. Andres Cassard of New York, and for- 
mally requested 111 .*. Bro .*. Edward A. Raymond Sovereign 
Grand Commander to resign, on account of his advanced age, 



I 



SUPREME COUXCIL— U. S. A. 267 

physical infirmities, his extreme opinions, assumption of po-^- 
ers, arbitrary exercise of authority, &c., etc. 

The following brethren were proposed for the Thirty-third 
degree, viz., M. W. Winslow Lewis, M. D. G. M. of the Grand 
Lodge, Wm. Parkman of Boston and Wm. S. Gardner, of 
Lowell. 

At the Annual Communication in May 1861, the number of 
active members who composed the Supreme Council, was in- 
creased to thirty-three — including therein, the existing mem- 
bers — and the following members were elevated to the Thirty- 
third degree, viz. Winslow Lewis, M. D. ; William Parkman, 
William S. Gardner, A. B. Thompson, H. A. Johnson, N. H. 
Gould, A. E. Stocker, M. D. ; George W. Deering. 

And thefollowing Deputies were appointed, viz. : 

III .*. A. E. Stocker, M. D., for Pennsylvania, 
Gen'l A. B. Thompson, " Maine, 
N. H. Gould, " Rhode Island, 

" W. S. Gardner, " Massachusetts. 

A series of charges were preferred against 111. Bro. Edward 
A. Raymond, Grand Commander, and Protests entered against 
the legality of the act perpetrated by the Sovereign Grand 
Commander, in conferring the Thirty-third degree upon Wm. 
Field of Rhode Island. At the meeting of May 20th 1861, 
111. Bro. Edward A. Raymond was deposed from the of&ce of 
Sovereign Grand Commander. The Supreme Council then 
proceeded by election to fill the office, and the 111. Wm. B. 
Hubbard of Columbus, Ohio, was declared unanimously elect- 
ed. Also a Treasurer General of the H. E., which office was 
declared vacant. Ill .*. Wm. Parkman, was unanimously elect- 
ed in the place of 111 .*. Simon Robinson the former Treasurer 
General. Ill .*. Charles W. Moore Grand Secretary General 
tendered his resignation, and 111 .*. Winslow Lewis, M. D., was 
unanimously elected to that office, and 111. Bro. Moore accept- 
ed the office of Grand Standard bearer, having acted as Secre- 
tary General from the time of the, organization of the body. 

At the Annual Communication in Mav 1862, the followino- 
brethren were exalted to the Thirty-third degree. 



268 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Hon. JosiAH H. Drummond, ^ 
" Wm. p. Preble, [> Maine. 

Edward P. Burnham, J 

Hon. Newell A. Thompson, 
Maj. Gen. Wm. Sutton, 

John McClellan, 

N. B. Shurtleff, M. D., 

Charles A. Davis, M. D. 
Hon. Benjamin Dean, 



Mass. 



Fitzgerald Tisdall, 
Joseph D. Evans, 



New York. 



Rev. D. B. Tracy, Michigan. 

RoBT. H. Foss, Illinois. 

It should be stated that 111 .*. Andres Cassard was restored 
at this Communication, to all his former rights and privileges. 



Ill .*. Bro .*. Killian H. Yan Rensselaer, was elected Sove- 
reign Grand Commander in the place of 111. Bro. Edward A. 
Raymond, expelled. 

Ill .*. Bro .*. Josiah H. Drummond, was elected P. Lieut. 
Grand Commander. 

Ill .'. Bro .*. Benjamin Dean, of Mass. Grand Captain of the 
Guards. 



Wm. Field, Peter Lawson, George M. Randall, Charles S, 
Westcott, Siiid John A. Foster, werevisited with the ^^ extreme 
'penalty " of the Grand Consistory, see Document No. 43. 

After having filled all the vacancies which had occurred in 
the body, the proceedings appear to have been harmonious to 
the end. A Committee was appointed for the purpose of pro- 
moting the unity of the A. and A. Rite in the Northern juris- 
diction ; after which this Supreme Council brought its labors 
to a close. 

For-a List of Officers, Active Members, &c., &c., See Document No. 44. 

On the withdrawal of the 111. Bro. Edward A. Raymood, 
Sovereign Grand Commander, from the Supreme Grand Coun- 



■MIB 



SUPEEME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 269 

cil, the same closed sine die ', it will be remembered that the 
111. BB. Avho remained, proceeded with the work of the body as 
before. Whereupon 111. Bro. Raymond, assuming that he had 
full power centering in himself, according to the Constitution 
of 1786, at once tilled the of&ces of the Council which he 
considered had been vacated by this movement. The most, if 
not all the brethren with whom he made up the Council, 
appear to have been members of that body at the time, at least 
so far as the Sovereign Grand Consistory was concerned, and 
those of them who were only possessed of the Thirty-second 
degree he exalted to the Thirty-third. 

They assembled in Annual Session May 21st, 1861, and the 
proceedings published, give the following names as present 
at the opening of the body : 

M.-. P.-. Edward A. Eatmond, Sov.-. Gr.-. Commander, 

P.-. Simon W. Eobixson, Lieut.*. Gr.-. Commander and Gr. Trcas. Gen. 

111.-. Peter Lawson, Grand Master of Ceremonies, 

'' William Field, " Cap.-, of Life Guards, 

" Eev. Geo. M. Eandall,. " Minister of State, 

" Lucius E. Paige, " Marshall. 

The office of the Grand Secretary General was declared 
vacant, and the Sovereign Grand Commander nominated and 
appointed 111. Lucius R. Paige, and duly installed him into 
office. He also removed Killian H. Tan Rensselaer fi'om the 
office of Deputy Inspector General for any portion of the 
Northern Jurisdiction, and appointed 111. Peter Lawson as 
Assistant Grand Secretary of the body. 

A document appears to have been issued by the Sovereign 
Grand Commander, December 20th, 1860, entitled " Order 
No. 2," which declares " that all documents purporting to 
come froni any other source than that emanating from 
Edward A. Raymond as Grand Commander, are spurious, 
void, and of no effect ; that the Sovereign Grand Commander 
re-calls and revokes the exequator of K. H. Yan Ransselaer 
as Deputy, and gives notice that all dues and revenues must 
be paid to the 111. Treasurer General, Simon W. Robinson, 
of Lexington, Mass., who is the only person authorized to 
receive them. 



270 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

A letter of " Caution^^ was also issued by the body, warning 
all loyal brethren not to visit any Lodge, Council, Chapter, or 
Consistory, within the jurisdiction, nor to hold Masonic inter- 
course with any BB .*. of the Ancient and Accepted rite, who do 
not acknowledge and yield obedience to this Supreme Grand 
Council. 

After organizing a Sovereign Grand Consistory, the M. P. 
Sovereign Grand Comraander delivered an address before the 
body containing in full, his views of the proceedings which led 
to the disturbance and separation, a brief outline of which we 
shall attempt to give. 

He states, after noticing in an appropriate manner the death 
of 111. and Rev. Bro. Paul Dean, that in accordance with the 
unanimous vote of the Council, at an Annual Meeting, the 111. 
BB.". Wm. Field, of Providence, R. 1. 5 the Hon. Peter Lawson, 
of Lowell, Mass. ; Lucius R, Paige, of Cambridge, and Rev. 
Geo. M. Randall, of Boston, Mass., have been unanmiously 
admitted to the Thirty-third degree, and that those four 
brethren have been duly appointed to offices in the Council, 
have been regularly installed in their several stations, and 
are now active members of the body. And that there are two 
vacancies yet to be filled. 

After alluding to the disorderly proceedings, he claims that 
the Supreme Council, since its location in Boston, has had no 
regular book of proceedings kept, and that the Grand Secre- 
tary General, for the last two years past, has withheld from 
him all official documents addressed to the body, or to himself 
as Secretary General, which has involved him in a seeming 
neglect of duty. Also the proceedings published after his 
closing the Council, which were clandestinely circulated in 
distant parts of the jurisdiction for weeks and months before 
they were circulated in Boston ; and, finally, that on the 20th 
December, several months after publication, he received a copy 
forwarded to him from a brother in a Western State. 

He complains of the statements therein contained as unfair, 
and calculated to mislead ; and that the meetings of the body 
after he had closed it, were altogether in open violation of 
the Constitution — a foul conspiracy, and productive of evil 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 271 

results. He attempts to eater into particulars by stating 
that, 

" Previous to the Annual Meeting in 1860, the 111. Bro., R. 
P. Dunlap, died. That his body was hardly cold in the grave 
ere he received an application from K. H. Van Eensselaer 
soliciting the appointment of Lieut. Grand Commander in the 
place of 111. Bro. Dunlap. The indecent haste of the applica- 
tion disgusted him and he refused. This refusal mortified and 
chagrined Yan Rensselaer, he sought to overthrow the Council 
and erect another upon its ruins." 

At the Annual Meeting in May, the plot developed itself, 
but the business of the Annual Session having been finished, 
the Council was closed without further embarrassment. The 
following August a Special Meeting was called. Charges 
preferred against 111. Bro. Andres Cassard, were fully sus- 
tained, and he was expelled. The day following, an attempt 
was made by Yan Rensselaer to re-instate him by " simple 
resolution^ The Sovereign Grand Commander refused to 
entertain the motion. A communication from Cassard was 
then presented by the Secretary General. The Sovereign 
Grand Commander would not allow it to be read. The 
business being finished, the Commander declared the Council 
closed until the next morning at 10 o'clock. Yan Rensselaer 
(then not a member), openly announced that there would be a 
meeting of the body at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. This meet- 
ing was held. The next morning the Council met at 10 o'clock 
as adjourned ; and after finishing the business, the Commander 
closed the Council sine die, stating that there were strong and 
unmistakeable evidences of insubordination, &c. Again, Yan 
Rensselaer gave notice that a meeting would be held in the 
afternoon of the same day, and requested his friends to be 
present. 

They met, as per appointment, for several days, during 
which time they organized a Supreme Council, sent out their 
circulars, &c. 

111. Bro. Raymond, attempts to justify his proceedings by the 
Constitutions of 1786, and declares that the Commander is 
Sovereign and Supreme ; that he does not receive his office by 



272 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

election, but is placed there by his predecessor, without a vote 
or confirmation, by virtue of his legitimate position. He is 
Commander, ad vitam. Here follows a review of the Constitu- 
tion of Frederick— a relation of the manner in which the body 
deposed and expelled him — the manner of constituting the 
Supreme Council — and closing by issuing a letter of caution, 
warning all brethren, &c. 

The proceedings are closed with a list of the officers of the 
body as follows : 

M. P. Edward A. Raymond, Boston, (P.G.M.), Sov. Gr. Com. ad vitam, 
P^ Simon W. Robinson, Lexington, (P.G.M.), Lieut. Gr. Commander, 
111. Peter Lawson, Lowell,. (P.D.D.G.M.), Gr. Treas. Gen. H. E. 
" Lucius R. Paige, Cambridgep't, (P.D.G.M.), Gr. Sec. Gen. H. E. 
« Geo. M. Randall, D.D., BostoN, (P.G.M.), Gr. Min. of State, 
" Chas. T. McClenachan, New York, Gr. Mas. of Ceremonies, 
« Wm. Field, Providence, R. I., (P. G. M.), Gr. Cap. of Life Guards, 
" Wm.B. Hubbard, Columbus, Ohio, (P. G.M.), Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. 33d 
" J. J. J. GouRGAS, N. Y., (P. Sov. Gr. Com.), emeritus, S. G. I. G. 
111. Aaron P. Hughes, Nashua, N. H., (G.M.), S. G. L G., 33d degree, 
<' Deputy for New Hampsliire, 

" CiiAS. S. Westcott, New York, " " New York, 

" John A. Foster, " « a -^^^^ Jersey, 

" E. T. Carson, Cincinnati, Ohio, Sov. Gr, Ins. Gen., 33d degree 

And in the month of January, 1862, the Council issued 
an Edict of Expulsion, declaring Charles W. Moore and 
Killian H. Van Rensselaer to be no longer members of the 
Supreme Council or of the rite, and prohibiting all loyal 
Scottish Masons from holding Masonic intercourse with the 
parties. See Doc. No. 42 and 43. The Edicts of both Coun- 
cils, each expelling the members of the other, are placed side 

by side. 

" Behold how good and how pleasant it is, «&;c." 

It is believed that this is a plain statement of the facts given, 
which led to the disorderly proceedings and the separation, 
from which the reader can form his own conclusions. As both 
the Van Rensselaer and the Raymond bodies profess to be 
loyal to, and to be governed by, the Constitutions of 1786, 
they will be obliged to settle the difficulty between themselves, 
as other bodies professing the same rite, and ».cknowledged 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 273 

from the very commencement as regular, have long since 
discarded all such instruments as unworthy of notice, and are, 
therefore, disqualified from giving a judgement in the premises. 
One thing, however, is certain, viz., that there are now two 
Supreme Councils in Boston and one Sovereign Grand Consis- 
tory, hailing from the Supreme Council of New York (Cerneau), 
all rivals to each other, and each having their subordinate 
bodies throughout the Western hemisphere. How long this 
state of things may continue it is not possible to foresee ; but 
the contempt and bitter reproaches which such proceedings 
bring upon the Order, cannot be too greatly magnified or too 
severely condemned. 



RECAPITULA TION. 

The following Supreme Grand Councils of the Thirty-third 
degree. Ancient and Accepted Rite, now exist in the United 
States .: 

"SUPREME GRAND COUNCIL OF THE UNITED 
STATES OF AMERICA, HER TERRITORIES, AND DE- 
PENDENCIES." New York. 

Renounces all rule over the first Three degrees. 

"SUPRIlME grand council of the NORTHERN 
JURISDICTION, U. S. A." Boston, Mass. 

" Waive'^ all right over the first three degrees. (Yan Rens- 
selaer, Grand Com.) 

"SUPREME GRAND COUNCIL OF THE NORTHERN 
JURISDICTION, U. S. A." Boston, Mass. 

" Waive " all right over the first three degrees. (Edw. A. 
Raymond, Grand Com.) 

"SUPREME GRAND COUNCIL OF THE SOUTHERN 

JURISDICTION U. S. A." Charleston, S. C. 

" Waive " all right over the first tliree degrees, 
"SUPREME GRAND COUNCIL OF LOUISIANA." 
Located at New Orleans, controls the first three degrees, 

and has over Twenty Blue Lodges under it. 



274 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

"SUPREME GRAND COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA." 

Located at San Francisco, renounces all right over the first 

Three degrees. 
"SUPREME GRAND COUNCIL OP CONNECTICUT." 
Located at Bridgeport, renounces all right over the first Three 

degrees. 

Besides the above Councils, there are Consistories in the 
following States : 

NEW YORK CITY— Established by the Gourgas body^ 
A Rival to the Supreme Council. 

NEW YORK CITY— Established by the Raymond body— 
A Rival to both. 

BOSTON, MASS.— A Rival to both Supreme Councils there. 

NEW ORLEANS, LA.— Established by Charleston Council 
—A Rival to Supreme Council there. 

TRENTON, NEW JERSEY— A Consistory by Supreme 
Council of New York, (Cerneau). 



AND 

COUNCIL OF PRINCES OF JERUSALEM, 
AT ALBANY, N. Y. 

Having omitted in the history a particular notice of these 
bodies, and as there are many curiosities brought to light in 
the examination of this part of the subject, we feel it to be an 
act of duty to place what information we may be possessed of 
before the Fraternity, in order -that it may not be said that 
we have neglected altogether to make mention of them. 

It is pretended that the Lodge of Perfection at Albany was 
founded there by 111.*. Bro.*. Henry A. Feancken, one of the 
Deputies of Stephen Morin, 1767. The seal of this Lodge 
bears this date upon it. 

We have reason to doubt the authenticity of the date. 



SUPREME COUNCIL_U. S. A. 275 

Francken was the first Deputy appointed by Morin after his 
arrival in St. Domingo. It is barely possible that Francken 
himself was made a Deputy before this date, and more than 
probable that the seal is his private one, containing the date of 
his commission from Morin, viz., 1767. As it was the invariable 
custom of Deputies to place their own seal upon all documents 
issuing under their hands, which seal always bore the date 
of their individual commission, we conclude this to be one 
of that kind ; and that the Lodge in Albany was not found- 
ed so early as 1767 by several years. Again, Francken ap- 
pointed Moses Michael Hays in the city of Boston, Mass., and 
we have nothing of the doings of Hays until 1780, although he 
had resided in Boston several years before that date. 

It is said that Morin himself established at Kingston, 
Jamaica, a Lodge of Perfection in 1769, which proves clearly 
that Morin resided in the islands at that time. But it is also 
said in the Register of Abraham Jacobs : 

•' That in 1774 Bro.-. Henry A. Francken established the Royal Orders 
in Jamaica, and continued at their head for several years, which afterwards 
fell and laid dormant." 

Here is a flat contradiction — but both statements go far 
to show that both Morin and Francken were residents of the 
West Indies, and that Francken did not reach this country so 
early as the date named on the seal. Moreover, Hays had been 
appointed by him for this country, and was a resident here. 
This point, however, is not a very material one. The Lodge 
was established in Albany, by Francken, at sometime between 
1767 and 1781. 

How long it continued operations there does not appear. 
After a while it went to sleep, and its very existence appears to 
have passed out of the memory of the '^ oldest Inhabitant. ^^ 

In the meantime, Bro.*. Giles Fonda Yates appears upon 
the stage of action — becomes a zealous workman in Sublime 
Masonry; and, finally, M.*. P.*. Sovereign, Grand Commander 
of the Gourgas Supreme Council. At a meeting of that body 
in the city of Boston, Mass., in September, 1851, he delivered 
an address, from which the following extract is made ; 



276 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

" 1 turned my attention to the history of the Sublime degrees very soon 
after my initiation as a Mason. My intercourse, in 1822, with several old 
Masons in the city of Albany, led to the discovery that an Ineffable Lodge of 
Perfection had been established in that ancient city on the 20th December 
1767. I also discovered, that not only the Ineffable, but the Superior degrees 
of our rite, had been conferred at the same time on a chosen few, by the 
founder of the Lodge, Henry A. Francken, one of the Deputies of Stephen 
Moriu of illustrious memory. It was not long, moreover, before I found 
the original warrant of this Lodge, its book' of Minutes, the Patents of 111. 
Bros. Samuel Stringer, M. D., Jeremiah Yan Rensselaer, and Peter W. Yates, 
Esquires, Deputy Inspectors General under the old system ; also the Regula- 
tions and Constitutions of the nine Commissioners, &c., 1761* — and other 
documents that had been left by Bro. Francken with the Albany brethren — 
when he founded their Lodge. With the concurrence of the surviving members 
of said Lodge in Albany, Dr. Jonathan Eights, and the Hon. and R. W. 
Stephen Yan Rensselaer, P. G. M., of the Grand Lodge of New York, I aided 
in effecting its revival. The necessary proceedings were thereupon instituted 
to place the. same under the superintendence of a Grand Council of Princes of 
Jerusalem, as required by the old Constitutions ; and such Grand Council was 
subsequently opened in due form in said city. 

" Having been made aware of the ' new Constitution of the Thirty-third 
degree,' ratified on the 1st of May, 1786, conferring the Supreme power over 
our rite, on ' Councils of nine brethren,' I hastened to place myself in cor- 
respondence with Moses Holbrook, M. D., at the time Sovereign Grand 
Commander of the Supreme Council at Charleston, and with my esteemed 
friends, Joseph McCosh, Illustrious Grand Secretary General of the last- 
named Council, and Bro. Gourgas, at that time Illustrious Grand Secretary 
General of the H. E. for this Northern Jurisdiction. Lodges of Perfection 
in the Counties of Montgomery, Onondaga, Saratoga, and Monroe, in the State 
of New York, were successively organized and placed agreeably to the Consti- 
tutions, under the superintendence of the Grand Council before named. The 
establishment of this last-named body was confirmed, and all our proceedings 
in Sublime Free Masonry were legalized and sanctioned by the only lawful 
authorities in the United States, the aforesaid Supreme Councils. 

" On the 16th day of November, 1824, I received a Patent, appointing me 
S. of S. of a Consistory of S. P. of the R, S, established in the city of Albany. 
I would here also state, that on the 13th day of February, 1825, Charters 
were granted to Illustrious Bro. Edward A. Raymond, of Boston, Mass., and 
eight associates, constituting them a Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem. 
A Charter was also granted them for a Consistory of S. P.R. S., both bodies to 
be holden in the city of Boston. All the several bodies named, as well as the 



* A mistake — as they were not put together and passed upon by the Convention until Sept. 
22d 1762, and did not reach the United States, until long after that time. 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 277 

Albany Grand Council and Consistory have, since their establishment, paid 
due faith and allegiance to our Northern Supreme Council. 

"In 1825 I took my vows as a 'Sovereign Grand Inspector General' 
between the hands of our said Brother, Joseph McCosh, he having been 
specially deputized for that purpose. I was shortly after constituted, and 
accredited the Representative of the Southern Supreme Grand Council, near 
this Northern Supreme Grand Council, of which last I was made, and have 
ever since been, a member. 

" The proofs are undeniable, that the learning contained in the * Sublime 
degrees' was taught long previous to the last century — our M. P. Bro., Dalcho, 
thinks shortly after the first Crusade. In Russia, Prance, and Scotland, the 
principal degrees of our rite appeared in an organized form in 1713. The 
unfortunate Lord Derwentwater, and his associate English brethren, were 
working in Lodges of Harodim, in 1725, at Paris when the Grand Lodge of 
England transmitted to France the Ancient York Constitutions. Many 
Scotch brethren (adherents of Charles Edward Stuart), being in France 
about this time, also cultivated some of the high degrees of our rite. Some of 
the important mysteries celebrated in the Superior degrees, were instituted by 
the successors of Jaques de Molay, and others derive their origin from the 
renowned Robert Bruce. The former gave the Military, the latter the Chris- 
tian character, to the degrees and Orders of our rite ; and from what has been 
alluded to, relative to the connection of our Scotch brethren, with our degrees 
and Orders, I think we may readily account for the term (Ecossais), Scotch, 
as applied to them." 

Herein is given an account of the resuscitation of this Lodge, 
which, according to the figures of 111.'. Bro.*. Yates, had 
enjoyed a " Rip Van Winkle sleep " of over fifty years. And 
the manner in which the thing was accomplished is rather 
mysterious. In the address, which is somewhat lengthy, not 
one word is said concerning the manner in which 111.-. Bro.'. 
Yates came into possession of the degrees — or whether he ever 
received them by initiation — or that he was a Sublime Mason 
before he made the discovery ; these points being studiously 
avoided. But he says, " He turned his attention to the 
sublime degrees, &c," made certain '' discoveries,^^ and, finally, 
resuscitated the Lodge, chartered other Lodges, <fec. 

The absence of evidence in relation to the manner in which 
he received his degrees, both Ineffable and Sublime, has led 
many of the brethren, who were liis most intimate friends 
and admirers, to assert that he never received them at any 
time in a regular way. In their relations concerning this 



278 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

matter, there appears to be connected with it a closet, which 
liad been locked up and unnoticed — a Trunk of Manuscripts, 
Rituals, Decorations, Jewels, &c. And immediately after 
this important discovery, Bro.*. Yates had jumped from the 
Third degree to the Thirty-second, and became " Illustrious " 
to the surprise of all his brethren. 

Immediately after this " discovery, ^^ he learned that there 
were Constitutions to govern the rite, and that some of the 
members of the Lodge were then living. As a general thing 
in these days, Masons who are initiated generally " learn who 
are Masons, and intend to perform the initiatory service upon 
them before they consent to become members," but it was 
different with this 111.*. Bro.*. — he made himself Illustrious 
first, and then became acquainted with the other things. He 
found that the Constitutions required the Lodge to be placed 
under thejurisdiction of a Council of Princes of Jerusalem, 
and, accordingly, (although he knew not of any such body 
before), "such Council was subsequently opened in due form-'' 
by himself in said city. They then go on to establish Lodges 
of Perfection throug-hout the State of New York. 

These proceedings came to the knowledge of Mr. Gourgas, 
then a resident of New York city, whereupon he notified Mr. 
Yates of his illegal proceedings, besides which, he at once 
wrote on to his bosom friend, De La Motta, at Charleston, 
relating these transactions and requesting his advice in the 
premises — (another proof that there was no Supreme Council 
in existence at that time in New York, else they would have 
taken the matter into their own hands, not needing advice). 
The reply of De La Motta was in character. After recounting 
the troubles and disappointments he had had, and suffered, with 
the Cerneau body, he advised a reconciliation with the offend- 
ing parties, in order to make them friends and avoid further 
disturbance. Mr. Gourgas acted in accordance with this 
advice. The result was as stated in the address : 

" The establishment of our Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem was 
confirmed, and all our proceedings in Sublime Masonry were legalized and 
sanctioned, &c." 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 279 

And in 1824 he received a Patent appointing him S .'. of 
S .*. of a Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 
established in the city of Albany. In 1825, in the month of 
February, Charters were granted by them to the 111.', and 
Puissant Brother, Edward A. Raymond, of Boston, Mass., and 
eight associates constituting them a Grand Council of Princes 
of Jerusalem, also a Charter for a Consistory of Sublime Prin- 
ces of the Royal Secret, both bodies to be holden in the city of 
Boston. (This would be equally strange with all the rest of 
the proceedings if Gourgas had a Supreme Council then in 
existence in New York city). 

The only definite relation concerning himself, contained in 
the document is : 

" That in 1825 I took my vows as a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 
between the hands of our said 111 .-. Bro /. Joseph McCosh (of happy memory), 
he having been specially deputized for that purpose. I was shortly after con- 
stituted and accredited the Representative of the Southern Supreme Council, 
near the Northern Supreme Council, of which last I was made, and have ever 
since been a member." 

(Is it not rather strange that Mr. Gourgas, who was then 
pretending to be " the Supreme Council for the Northern 
Jurisdiction," should not be consulted about making 111 .-. 
Bro .*. Yates a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, it being 
his jurisdiction, and that the Illustrious McCosh should be 
sent on from Charleston to do it in the face of the proper 
authority ? This does not look very well when oi\e reads the 
claims which the 111 .*. Gourgas pretends to in 1825). 

But the 111 .*. Bro .*. Yates became a very zealous work- 
man in the new rite, and attained tlie name and reputation of 
a well informed Mason. We are, therefore, somewhat sur- 
prised, when we witness so many gross errors published over 
his name. Thus he states : 

"That in 1713, the principal degrees of the Rite appeared in an organized 
form in Scotland, France, and Russia." 

Any person at all conversant with Masonic history knows 
this to be utterly untrue, as no Masonry at all was known or 
practiced in France until 1725, at which time the first Masonic 
Lodge was opened in the Blue degrees, having been Chartered 



280 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

by tlie Grand Lodge of England. (See Tablet No. 1, and his- 
tory contained in Report to the Grand Orient of France, 
Ragon, Clavel, and others). Scotland declares as late as 1802, 
that no Masonry was then, or ever had been known there, up 
to that time, but the three Blue degrees, and that it would be 
her pleasure and her pride to keep them pure and unsullied. 
Prussia has never known the Sublime degrees until after they 
were manufactured in France, beginning with Ramsay^s system 
of three new degrees in 1730. Even at this time, 1862, she 
rejects in toto the system of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, 
and disclaims any connection with it whatever. But, again : 

"The unfortunate Lord Derwentwater and his associate English brethren 
were working in ' Lodges of Harodim,' in 1725, at Paris, &c. 

Thory, Ragon, Clavel, and others, all state ; 

" The first Masonic Lodge known in France was instituted at Paris in 1725 by 
Lord Derwentwater, Marklyn, D'Hegnetty, and some other English brethren. 
It was chartered by the Grand Lodge of England, and worked in Three 
degrees only." 

The same authors state : 

" In 1736, the Grand Lodge of France took to itself the rite of Chevalier 
Karasay, which was three additional degrees. 

*' In 1744, Charles Edward Stuart, the son of the Pretender and his followers, 
opened Lodges without authority. And on the 15th April, 1747, Charles 
Edward Stuart founded the primordal Chapter of Arras under the distinctive 
title of ' Ecossai Jacobite.' This was the first Chapter or Centre of High 
degrees in France." 

The remainder of the address is equally at variance with the 
truth, being taken up with a repetition of the Charleston docu- 
ment of 1802, which has been fully reviewed in the history, and 
needs no comment here. 

The Lodge of Perfection at Albany, resuscitated by Bro .'. 
Yates, in 1822, kept on with its labors until the year 1827, at 
which time it suffered in common with the rest of the Masonic 
bodies in this part of the world. It remained dormant until 
after the year 1845, when it was again resuscitated, and is still 
in existence in Albany, but whether in a thriving condition or 
not, does not appear. 



\ , 



T 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 281 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE W. 

As this plate is somewhat extended and intricate, embracing a period 
of one hundred years, it is deemed necessary that the explanation of it 
should be full, in order that it may be properly understood. We shall, 
therefore, first give a general explanation, and then enter into the 
particulars. 

The Tableau naturally divides itself into three sections, as follows : 

That on the left, and apparently the main section, serves to show the origin 
and progress of the Sovereign Grand Consistory and Supreme Council of 
Cerneau down to the present time, with the various bodies which have 
emanated from it. 

The middle section shows the origin of the Consistory for the State of 
Louisiana ; the erection of the Supreme Council in 1839, under the Marquis de 
Sant Angelo, with others who were Sovereign Grand Inspectors^ General 
Thirty-third ; the split in 1855 ; and the renewal of the original Supreme 
Council, which continues there at the present day. 

The third, or right hand section, shows the origin of the Supreme Council 
of Charleston, South Carolina, and its progress, together with the Supreme 
Council of De La Motta, established in New York, in 1813, by him, as a 
rival to the Cerneau body, follows it to the time when it becomes extinct ; 
shows the commencement of the Gourgas Supreme Council in 1847 ; bringing 
the whole number of the bodies down to the year 1862, with all the branches 
growing out of the same. 

Keeping these things in view, as the reader examines the plate placed before 
him, he will find no difficulty in understanding the entire progress of all these 
bodies, and will be prepared for the following particular explanation. 

On the top of the Tableau is seen represented the ' Grand Lodge of France ' 
and the ' Council of the Emperors of the East and West,' these two bodies being 
in treaty with each^other. From these bodies, Stephen Morin received his 
Commission or Powers in 1761, arrived in St. Domingo about 1762. Here 
Morin appointed Henry A. Francken, Francken appointed Hays, and Hays 
others, all of whom were known as the successors of Stephen Morin. 

The successor^ were scattered over the United States. In 1783 they estab- 
lished a Lodge of Perfection in Charleston, South Carolina; and in 1801, 
John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho established a new rite in Thirty-three 
degrees, and opened a Supreme Council in that rite (Ancient and Accepted), in 
the city of Charleston. 

The first body which came under the jurisdiction of this Supreme Council 
v/as the Lodge of Perfection and Council of Princes of Jerusalem, all the 
members of the same having been initiated in Savannah by Abraham Jacobs. 







=rj 



282 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

(See Diary Document No. 15, appendix). This body is represented at the 
right of the Supreme Council emerging from the same in 1802. Following 
the course of this Council downward until we arrive at 1813, we find a body 
issuing from the same denominated the " Supreme Council of De La Motta." 
This body was established in New York city in 1813, by De La Motta in his 
'^'individual capacity,'' as a rival to the Sovereign Grand Consistory and 
Supreme Council of Joseph Cerneau, then in existence there. De La Motta's 
body continued in active exercise until 1818, at which time it became extinct 
as delineated on the drawing. 

In 1816, the Charleston Council languishes, but revives again in 1822, and 
continues its functions until 1830, when it is acknowledged by the Grand 
Orient of France, and appears for the first time in the published Annuary of 
that body. But in 1832 the Council, as a body, becomes extinct. 

In 1844 it again makes its appearance, and at this time Dr. Albert G. 
Mackey becomes Secretary General of the same. Continuing its course down 
to the year 1852, it charters a Consistory in the city of New Orleans, for the 
State of Louisiana. This Consistory floats down to the year 1855, at which 
time it forms a union with the old Consistory of Cerneau, established in 1813 
in that city, immediately after which the "united body^'' enters into a Concor- 
dat with the Supreme Council of Charleston, and becomes its dependant for 
the State of Louisiana. The Charleston Council continues its course down to 
the present day, and is now the authority for the Southern Masonic Jurisdic- 
tion of the United States. 

We will now return to the top of the Tableau, (Joseph Cerneau). 

Mr. Cerneau was a legitimate successor of Stephen Morin, having received 
from him his degrees and " Power " in St. Domingo. He arrived in New 
York city in 1806, and soon after established a Rose Croix Chapter, by title 
" Triple Amitie" which is represented on the left. This Chapter continued in 
existence but a short time. In 1807 he established the '' Sovereign Grand Con- 
sistory for the United States of America, their Territories, and Dependencies," 
which body, in 1809, granted a Charter to Rose Croix Chapter, by Title 
" Triple Alliance." It was the Chapter " Triple Amitie " revived. In 1812 he 
established the " Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, 
Thirty-third degree," which was acknowledged by the Supreme Council of 
France in 1813. 

In the month of January, 1813, the body established a Grand Consistory 
for the State of Rhode Island ; also, in the month of June, a Consistory for 
the State of Louisiana, located in the city of New Orleans. This Consistory 
for the State of Louisiana, continued in the active exercise of its powers, and 
had several Blue Lodges under its control, when in the year 1833, the Grand 
Lodge of that State, fearing that difficulties would arise, entered into negotia- 
tions with the Consistory. • This resulted in the formation of a " Scottish 
Chamber " in the Grand Lodge, whereupon the Consistory ceased its work in 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 283 

the first three degreess, transferring all those powers to the Chamber in the 
Grand Lodge. 

In 1839, a Supreme Council of the Thirty-third was erected in New 
Orleans by the Count St. Angelo and others, in consequence of the United 
Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere having ceased its activity. It 
assumed to be the successor of that body, was acknowledged by the Grand 
Orient of France in 1843, and the Consistory came under its charge. This 
Supreme Council continued in active operation until 1850, when a disturbance 
took place between the Grand Lodge of Louisiana and itself. The Grand 
Lodge at that time dissolved the Scottish Chamber, which had been allied 
with it for seventeen years in harmony, and prohibited all connection with 
Scottish Masons and the Scottish rite. Whereupon the Supreme Council imme- 
diately resumed its control over the first three degrees, chartered and estab- 
lished Lodges, and has now over twenty under her jurisdiction in that State. 
As soon as the Grand Lodge dissolved the Scottish Chamber, Dr. Mackey, of 
Charleston established the Consistory of 1852 as represented in the drawing, 
and has already been alluded to. It was intended as a rival to the Supreme 
Council. 

In 1855 a quarrel takes place between the officers of the Supreme Council 
(by design), the principal officers resign their offices, leaving behind a party 
who were in favor of the Charleston Council. Whereupon that party declares 
the Supreme Grand Council for Louisiana extinct, and at once revive the 
Consistory of 1813, which Consistory unites with the Consistory of Mackey, 
created by him in 1852 ; and the united body enters into a Concordat with the 
Charleston Council and becomes its dependent. It is now in existence as 
the Grand Consistory for the State of Louisiana. But those members who 
resigned and withdrew, at once erected the Supreme Council, renewed active 
operations, and now have Twenty Lodges, and nearly as many Eose Croix 
Chapters and Councils of Kadosch under their control. 

We will now return to the Sovereign Grand Consistory of 1807, nearly 
opposite to which, on the right, will be seen a representation of a Lodge of 
Perfection 1808, and a Consistory 1809. 

The Lodge of Perfection consists of Masons initiated by Abraham Jacobs 
on his own responsibility, and whom he formed into a Lodge of Perfection 
during that year (Nov. 1808). John G. Tardy took the Lodge under his pro- 
tection as Deputy Inspector General. The Consistory was formed in March 
1809 by Tardy and others, but the Lodge of Perfection and Council of Prin- 
ces, together with the Consistory, went out of existence before the end of the 
year 1809, most of the members uniting with the Sovereign Grand Consistory 
of Cerneau. 

In 1813 appears the Supreme Council of De La Motta. This Council has 
been before described, but not in connection with the Consistory and Council 
of Cerneau. This is the body which was erected by De La Motta to supersede 
the Council of Cerneau. Mr. Gourgas was Secretary General of this body, 



284 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

and from it issued the documents published by De La Motta. It expired in 
1818, but assumes to continue on, Mr. Grourgas being its head. 

In 1814 the Sovereign Grand Consistory established the body known as the 
Council of lloyal and Select Masters. It also constituted and established the 
Grand Encampment of Knights Templar for the State of New York. 

In 1816 the Sovereign Grand Consistory was acknowledged by the Grand 
Orient of France, Germain Racquet, Representative ih that Orient for the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory, and Joseph Cerneau, Representative for the Grand 
Orient of France, near the Grand Consistory — New York. 

In 1822 the Sovereign Grand Consistory established Consistories at Porto 
Rico, Laguayra, Barcelona, Cumaua, Havana, and Port of Spain, Trinidad. 
In 1825 it constituted a degree known as *' Aaron's Band,''' which, soon after, 
became extinct. It also Chartered "■Lafayette Rose Croix Chapter," which 
has existed up to the present day. In 1826 it issued a Power to David 
Jewett to establish a Consistory in the Empire of Brazil. In 1827 the Anti- 
Masonic excitement destroyed all Masonic bodies, and the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory then ceased its existence in common with the rest. 

In 1831 the Count St. Laurent, Sovereign Grand Commander of the 
Supreme Grand Council for Terra Firma, New Spain, the Canary Islands, &c., 
and Honorary member of the Supreme Council of France, arrived in the 
United States, being the bearer of despatches from that body to the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory. These despatches contained the intelligence of the dis- 
placement of the Sovereign Grand Consistory from the Grand Orient, and the 
acknowledgment of the Charleston Council and Gourgas by that body, together 
with the offer of the Supreme Council of France, of acknowldgment, where- 
upon the Consistory and Council were summoned to an extraordinary Con- 
vocation. A Union was effected with the Supreme Council of Terra Firma, 
and the United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere, in ]832, was the 
result. Owing to great dissatisfaction among the members with regard to 
the terms of Union, in connection with other matters, many members with- 
drew and took refuge in the Rose Croix Chapter Lafayette. Other mem- 
bers withdrew altogether. The remnant went on for two or three years, when 
the Council declined. In 1836, the Tripartite Treaty with the Supreme Coun- 
cils of France, Belgium, and Brazil, was ratified, which made the Council still 
more unpopular. In 1837 the difficulty occurred in the Grand Lodge, out of 
which originated " St. John's Grand Lodge," that body retaining the Charter 
and control of Lafayette Rose Croix Chapter. In 1846 the United Supreme 
Council for the Western Hemisphere was dissolved by mutual consent. 

But in 1842 the members of Lafayette Rose Croix Chapter, with Henry C. 
Atwood at their head, had formed a Consistory, which, in 1846, took the place 
of the United Supreme Council, and re-formed a Supreme Grand Council for 
the United States of America, their Territories, and Dependencies. In 1851, 
after the Union of the two Grand Lodges, that Supreme Council was re- 
organized under Jeremy L. Cross. It was just previous to this time (1848), 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 285 

that Mr. Gourgas made his appearance with a new Supreme Council (which 
see under this date), and pretending to be the Council of 1813. This Council 
continued its seat at New York until 1851. It then removed to Boston, 
Mass. In 1861 a difficulty occurred in the body resulting in a split, where- 
upon a new Supreme Council was there formed, thus making two Supreme 
Councils in Boston, known as " the Van Rensselaer" and " the Raymond Coun- 
cil," the former having nine Consistories under its jurisdiction in the several 
States, and the latter having one in the city of New York, with several subor- 
dinate bodies in Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Syracuse, and Hoboken, N. J. 

In 1852 the Supreme Council of Atwood was re-organized by M .-. P.*. 
Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of New Orleans, James 
Foulhouze, and at the same time entered into a treaty with that Council, In 
1853 it entered into a treaty with the Supreme Council of New Granada ; 
also, in 1856, with the Supreme Council of Belgium. In 1858 it constituted 
the Supreme Council for the State of Connecticut. In 1860 it constituted the 
Supreme Council for the State of California. In 1862 it constituted a Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory at Trenton, for the State of New Jersey, and one at 
Boston, for the State of Massachusetts. 

The Plate exhibits the position which this branch of Masonry occupies at 
the present day in the United States, viz. : 

One Supreme Council in the City of New York. 
" Title." — The Sovereign Grand Consistory, and Supreme Grand Council for 
the United States of America, their Territories ,and Dependencies. 
One Supreme Council in New Orleans. 
"Ti'f/e." — Supreme Grand Council for the State of Louisiana. 

One Supreme Council in Charleston, S. C. 
" Title." — Supreme Grand Council for the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction, 
United States of America. 

Two Supreme Councils in City of Boston. 
" TzY^e."— Supreme Grand Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, 
United States of America. 

Yan Rensselaer body and 
Raymond body. 
■One Supreme Council in Bridgeport, Conn. 
" Title." — Supreme Grand Council for the State of Conn, 

One Supreme Council in San Francisco. 
" Title." — Supreme Grand Council for the State of California. 

The above iPlate is intended as a representation of facts, the events occurring 
as there delineated. At the same time it must be remembered that if the doc- 
trine based upon the Institutes and Secret Constitutions of 1786 be accepted 
viz.: '-That a Supreme Council of the Thirty-third, once constitutionally 
established, whilst a single member remains, is considered in existence ; tind that 
a Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third, once appointed, is so 



286 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

for life," then the chai7i of succession is unbroken, and perfect, not only with 
the Cerneau Council, but also with all the others, as there were many regular 
Thirty- thirds living, active members of the Councils, and officers of the same, 
from 1801 to 1862, so that all the bodies are alike in this respect. But 
neither the Author, or the Council from which he hailed, or the Grand Orient 
of France, from which that Council derived, ever believed in, or promulgated 
such a doctrine. On the contrary ; so long as a Council is in the active 
exercise of its functions ; is performing its work under a regular organization ; 
and is acknowledged by, and in correspondence with its peers ; so long it is 
considered a " Council, or body, or power." When these cease, when its 
organization is discontinued, its meetings brought to an end, and correspon- 
dence broken up, it is then no longer a body or power — it is extinct. On this 
basis the above diagram was formed. 



Note. — Having received Information since the above chapter was put to 
press, (Oct. 1st. 1862.) that the " Sup.\ Grand Council for the United States 
of America, their Territories and Dependencies," familiarly known as the " Cer- 
neau Council," of which Edmund B. Hays is Sov.-. Grand Commander, has 
been acknowledged fully by the Grand Orient of France, also by the " Supreme 
Council of France,^'' and that an exchange of Representatives has taken place — 
and also of the negociations which are pending between that Supreme Grand 
Council and the Sup.-. Grand Councils of England, and Scotland, it is thought 
proper to insert this note of the fact, and to refer the reader to Appendix Doc- 
uments No. 47 and 48 for further particulars. 



CHAPTER TENTH. 

STATISTIC ACCOUNT, 

DENOTIXG THE FORMATIO^^ AND PROGRESS OF THE M.*. P/. 
SOVEREIGN GRAND CONSISTORY OF THE 

Sttpwme C|itfe of (^mM Pasonrij, 

AND OF THE 

SUPREME GRAND COUNCIL OF THE 33.^ DEGREE. 

1807. The Sovereign Grand Consistory of the Supreme Chiefs of Exalted 
Masonry of the Ancient Constitutional Rite of Heredom, for the United 
States of America, her Territories, and Dependencies, was founded in 
the month of October of this year, by Joseph Cerneau, Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General of the Thirty-third degree, and Constituted in due 
form. 

The parties whose names appear in the records are Joseph Cerneau, 
John W. Mulligan, Charles Guerin, Jacob Schieflfelin, Jonathan 
Schiefielin, John Telfair, J. B. Subrau, John Bleecker, John B. Pon- 
zolz, John C. Ludlow, Aaron H. Palmer, Joseph Colbert. 

The announcement was made in the daily papers, and by printed cir- 
culars, addressed to all the Masonic bodies in the United States. 

1808. In the early part of this year, the arrangements were complete for 
the full formation of the Sovereign Grand Consistory of the United 
States of America, her Territories, and Dependencies, as the Gkand 
East for the Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite of Heredom, in 
the city of New York ; and in the month of September the following 
list of Officers was announced as Constituting the said Grand East for 
said Rite : 

The Most Illustrious Brothers, 
Joseph Cerxeau, Past Master, M. P., Sovereign Grand Commander, 
John W. Mulligan, " Deputy " " 

Charles Guerin, " First Lieut. " " 

Anthony Rainetaux, " Second " " " 

Jacob Schieffelin, " First Minister of State, 



288 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

The Most Illustrious Brothers, 
Aakon H. Palmer, Past Master, Second Minister of State, 
Joseph Bouchaud, " III. Grand Chancellor, 

Joseph GouiN, " Grand Keeper of the Seals, 

ToussANT MiDY, " " Expert Introductor, 

Francis Dubuar, " " Treasurer, 

James P. Durand, " " Secretary. 

The following is a list of Members : 
Jonathan Schieffelin, John Telfair, Joseph Colbert, J. B. Subrau, 
John Bleecker, John B. Ponzolz, John C. Ludlow. 

They claimed the definitive title of " The Trinity " and an announce- 
ment of the above claims, together with the degrees which they con- 
trol, was again made in the papers of the day. 

In the month of November information was received by announce- 
ment in the papers, of the establishment of a Council of Princes of 
Jerusalem, by a Jew named Abraham Jacobs, who had removed from 
the South to New York city, in or about the year 1802, and who 
professed to be in possession of the degrees. It appeared, in the course 
of the examination, that Jacobs had been at work for some months, 
had communicated the degrees to Nineteen brethren, and then Consti- 
tuted them into a Lodge of Perfection and Council of Princes of 
Jerusalem. 

He was waited upon immediately by a Committee from the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory, consisting of Messrs. Cerneau and Mulligan, who 
tendered to him an invitation to be present at a Council of Princes of 
Jerusalem, then in session, which invitation he refused. After forbid- 
ding his proceeding, they left him. Jacobs then called in the assist- 
ance of John G. Tardy, who took the Council under his protection. 

1809. In the early part of this year, a petition was presented for the organi- 
zation of the Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, under the title 
of " Triple Alliance.'' It was the oldest Chapter in the United States 
of that grade. The above petition was received and acted upon, the 
body re-organized, and established in due form. 

Also, during the year, the organization and establishment of a Grand 
Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret for the State of New 
York was completed, and announced in due form. 

During this year the Consistory and Council of Princes of Jerusalem, 
formed by Jacobs, went down. The brethren composing those bodies, 
finding they were illegitimate, forsook them. Many came over to the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory, and united with that body, while others 
remained in seclusion. Those bodies were never revived. 

1810. The officers were the same. An application to the Supreme Grand 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 289 

Council of France signed by the Officers and Members, and asking 
for recognition, was forwarded during the year. 

The controversy between the remaining members of the Jacobs party 
and the Sovereign Grand Consistory, was continued. It had the effect 
of exposing the whole concern as a mouey-maiiiug transaction on the 
part of Jacobs, as well as a breach of his obligations, and most effec- 
tually put a stop to his progress. 

1811. During this year the following brethren were received, viz. : Hon. 
DeWitt Clinton, Gov.State of New York, M. W., Grand Master of the 
G. L., &c. ; Martin Hoffman, Cadwallader, D, Colden, Mayor of the 
city of New York ; and several other members and Officers of the 
Grand Lodge. Hon. DeWitt Clinton was appointed Deputy Grand 
Commander, and Messrs. Colden, Hoffman, Schisano, and others, to 
appropriate offices both in the Consistory and Council. The list of 
Officers will be found in Appendix, Document No. 20. 

1812. A petition was received from a Constitutional number of brethren, in 
the city of Newport, Rhode Island, in December, asking for the Con- 
stitution of a Grand Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret 
for that State, which petition was granted. The requisite number of 
the brethren at Newport were deputized to proceed to New York, iu 
all eight, and receive the degrees which was effected iu January fol- 
lowing, after which they were Constituted as Officers of the body, 
and carried with them all the proper documents. 

The following is a list of the names of the Brethren with the Offices to 
which they were appointed to fill : 

The M .-. Ill .-. Brother, John A. Shaw Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. 33d, Depu- 
ty Inspector General for tlie 
State of Rhode Island, and 
Representative for Sovereign 
Grand Consistory. 
The Most 111 .-. Bro .-. Isaac Stall, Illustrious President, 

<« « « " John Brown, Grand Senior Warden, 
« " " « Rich'd Merrill, " Junior Warden, 
« " " " Wm. Coggeshall, " Secretary, 
« " " " Stephen Deblois, " Treasurer, 
« « « " James Perry, " Master of Ceremonies, 

« " " " Edward Easton, *' Keeper of the Seals, 
" » " " Elisha Chase, " Captain of the Guards. 

The following is a list of Members : 

Wm. Douglass, Elisha Bliss, Pratt, D. M. Coggeshall, Wm. Davis, 
and the Most Illustrious Brother Thomas Lownds, was appointed their 
Representative near the Sovereign Grand Consistory at New York. 



290 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

In the early part of this year, a reply was received from the Supreme 
Grand Council of France, and with the reply, a full and complete 
acknowledgment by that body. The Supreme Grand Council of the 
Thirty-third degree was, therefore, publicly proclaimed by the daily 
papers, and the publication of a Tableau, containing a full list of the 
Officers of the Supreme Council Thirty-third, and also the Officers of 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory, with bodies deriving from the same. 
(See copy in the Appendix, Document No. 20). 

From this date may be reckoned the permanent foundation of this 
Grand East, although the Supreme Council was founded at the same 
time with the Sovereign Grand Consistory, viz., in 1807. The increase 
of confidence among the Fraternity, derived from this recognition and 
acknowledgment, caused a rapid increase of members both in this and 
other States. 

18] 3. A Petition was received from a number of brethren in Louisiana 
(New Orleans), for the establishment of a Council of Princes of the 
Eoyal Secret for that State, Thirty-second degree. The Petition was 
granted, and the Council was established there on the 19th day of 
June. It became a dependency of the Sovereign Grand Consistory. 

The Most Illustrious Brother /. Pinard, was appointed Deputy 
Inspector General for that State, and Representative for the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory at New Orleans ; and the Most Illustrious Brother 
James B. Durand, Representative for the Consistory of Louisiana near 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory— New York. (For a full list of the 
Officers, &c., see Appendix, Document No. 20). 

It was during the early part of this year, that the news of the recog- 
nition and acknowledgment by the Supreme Council of France, reached 
the city of Charleston, South Carolina ; and Emanuel De La Motta 
was deputized by the Suprem-e Council of that place to visit the city 
of New York, and call to a strict account all who were concerned in 
this unlawful proceeding. The result of his mission was not at all 
satisfactory, whereupon he pretended to Constitute a Supreme Grand 
Council of the Thirty4hird degree, Ancient and Accepted Rite, the 
particulars of which are given in the accompanying history. The 
Consistory at Newport, Rhode Island, was duly Constituted January 
23d of this year. 

1814. A Petition was received from a Constitutional number of brethren 
residing in Charleston, South Carolina, asking for the establishment 
of a Grand Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret 7'hirty» 
second degree, for said State, which request was granted, and said 
Council was formed. 

The Most Illustrious Brother Peter Javain, was appointed Deputy 
Inspector General for that State, and RepresentatiYe for the Sorereign 



SUPKEMB COUNCIL— U. S. A. 291 

Grand Consistory near that body ; and the Most Illustrious Brother 
Jacob Schieffelin, was Constituted for that body a Kepresentative near 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory. Illustrious Brother Tkomas W. 
Bacot, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of that State, was its first 
Presiding Oflficer — was succeeded by John S. Cogdell, Grand Senior 
Warden of the Grand Lodge ; and Hon. Joel R. Poinsett, of that 
State, was one of its most active members. Immediately after the 
founding of the Council, that body, at once formed and Constituted 
a Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix there, under the title of " Friends 
of Peace." (For full list, see Appendix, Document No. 20.) 

A Petition was also received from several brethren in Philadelphia, 
asking for the Constitution of a Grand Council of Princes of the Royal 
Secret for that State (Pennsylvania). The Petition was granted. 
The Most Illustrious Brother A. J. Blocquerst, was appointed Deputy 
Inspector General for Pennsylvania, and appointed as Representative 
for the Sovereign Grand Consistory near that body ; and the Most 
Illustrious Brother John W. Mulligan, was appointed Representative 
for that body near the Sovereign Grand Consistory at New York. 
(See list in Appendix, Document No. 20.) 

The expulsion of Joseph Cerneau, DeWitt Clinton, John W. Mulli- 
gan, and others, all of whom were declared to be " Impostors," was 
published. It was the act of Emanuel De La Motta. It brought 
forth a reply from the Sovereign Grand Consistory, which appeared 
to be conclusive, judging by its effects. In the latter part of the year, 
a replication, full of arrogance and abuse, was published by De La 
Motta, but was not noticed. (They will be found word for word, in 
the Appendix, Documents 17, 18, and 19.) 

In consequence of the opposition manifested by the Supreme Council 
of Charleston, the Sovereign Grand Consistory renewed the publication 
of the Circular and Edict of 1812. As it was renewed from year to 
year until 1816, a copy of it will be found by referring to the 
Appendix, Document No. 20. 

1816. In the early part of this year, a reply was received from the Grand 
Orient of France. A difficulty had occurred in the Supreme Council 
of France, in December 1812, arising from mis-representations made 
to that body. They dissolved the connection with the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory, whereupon application was made to the Grand 
Orient. The reply contained a full recognition and acknowledgment 
by that body. The Sovereign Grand Consistory named the Most 
Illustrious Brother Germain Hacquet, President of the Supreme Coun- 
cil of Rites and Sovereign Grand Commander of the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory of the Grand Orient, as its Representative near that body. 
He was accepted, and proclaimed as such. And the Grand Orient of 
France named the Most Illustrious Brother Joseph Cerneau, Represen- 



292 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

tative for the Grand Orient of France, Supreme Council of Rites and 
Sovereign Grand Consistory, near the Sovereign Grand Consistory at 
New York. These Representatives were continued by both bodies, 
and the regular correspondence of the same passed through their 
hands up to the year 1827. As soon as the acknowledgment was 
received, notice was given in the public prints, and circulars were 
addressed to all Masonic bodies in the two hemispheres, publishing the 
fact. 

1817. The Circular which was addressed to the various Masonic bodies 
throughout the United States during the past year, brought under the 
Inspection and Approval of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, the 
following bodies, viz. : 

Sov. Chap. P. R. Croix, "Triple Alliance," New York city, 

" " " " " Friends of Peace," Charleston, S. C, 

Grand Council S. P. R. S., State of New York, New York city, 
" " " *' Louisiana, New Orleans, 

" " " " Rhode Island, Newport, 

" " " " Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 

« " " " Charleston, South Carolina. 

The following Deputies' Inspectors General were confirmed for the 
several States: 

The M .'. Ill .-. Bro .•. J. Pinard, State of Louisiana, 

" « " " John A. Shaw, " Rhode Island, 
<* " " " A. J. Blocquerst, " Pennsylvania, 
" " " " Peter Javain, '• South Carolina, 

" " " " Louis Le Loup, " Maryland. 
The Most Illustrious Brother J. J. Itter, Representative near the 

Supreme Grand Council 
of Grand Inspectors 
General Thirty-third de- 
gree. Island of Jamaica. 

1818. The Sovereign Grand Consistory issued its Annuary again, with an 
ofificial list of bodies recognized by them. The title was as follows : 

" List of the Grand Officers, Members, Honorary Members, &c., of 
the Supreme Council of Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third 
degree, and of the Sovereign Grand Consistory of Supreme Chiefs of 
Exalted Masonry of the Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite of 
Heredora, for the United States of America, their Territories and 
Dependencies, held in the city of New York ; also of the Constituted 
bodies of its Jurisdiction, and of the Grand Bodies Correspondent, 
Anno Lucius, 5818, 24 pages;, signed with a pen by each member of 



SUPREME COUNCIL-U. S. A. 293 

the General Committee of Administration, and stamped by the Grand 
Keeper of the Seals." 

Accompanying the same, was the Edict published the preceding 
year. (See Appendix, Document 20.) 

1819. The list of OfiBcers of the Sovereign Grand Consistory was slightly 
changed this year. The Most Illustrious Brother Aaron H. Palmer, 
was elected Grand Chancellor in the place of A. Rainetaux ; Joseph 
Bouchaud, Grand Secretary ; Harman Westervelt, 2d Assistant Grand 
Secretary ; Elias Hicks, Grand Keeper of the Seals ; and Abraham 
Lott, W. M., of Holland Lodge, Grand Hospitaller. In all other 
respects, the offices were filled as before. 

General harmony prevailed in the various subordinate bodies under 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory, and those who had long and strenu- 
ously opposed that body were now silenced, — inasmuch as all Masonic 
^bodies acknowledged its regularity both at home and abroad. 

1820. In consequence of the Unmasonic proceedings of an Impostor by the 
name of " Joseph De Glock de Ohernay," alias " D'Obernay De Glock," 
who, under the pretence of his quality as a Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General of the Thirty-third degree, had created members and erected 
a Grand Consistory in places under this jurisdiction, where the proper 
power had been previously conveyed, and also by conferring of his own 
mere motion, the first three degrees of Ancient Masonry, and trans- 
ferred the power of doing so to others within the jurisdiction of 
regularly organized Grand Lodges, and in the vicinity of regularly 
organized Lodges, the Sovereign Grand Consistory in its official 
capacity, and under the Grand Seal of the body, issued an Edict 
denouncing the above personage to all the Grand and Subordinate 
bodies in the world as an Impostor. (See Appendix, Document 22.) 

1821. This year the Most Illustrious Brother Joseph Cerneau, withdrew from 
the Office of Sovereign Grand Commander, and the Hon. John W. 
Mulligan succeeded him. Mr. Cerneau then took the title of •' Hono- 
rary Sovereign Grand Commander, ad vitam." 

A most interesting and valuable correspondence was renewed with 
the Grand Orient of France, through her Representative the Most 
Illustrious Brother Germain Hacquet, near the Grand Orient, resulting 
in the forwarding to this Supreme Council and Sovereign Grand Con- 
sistory a renewal of fraternal greetings, a copy of the proceedings 
of the Grand Orient of France, with a renewed letter of acknowledg- 
ment, signed by the Officers and Members of Supreme Council of 
Rites. 

1822. In the month of September the Most Illustrious Brother Seth Driggs, 
was appointed by the Sovereign Grand Consistory a Deputy Inspector 



294 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

General for the Island of Trinidad, and carried with him the necessary 
powers for forming and constituting a Sovereign Grand Council of 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, together with subordinate bodies, 
and also for the constituting a Grand Provisional Committee at Port 
Spain, Island of Trinidad. (See Document No. 23, Appendix.) 

This Council was regularly formed in that island, and Brother Driggs 
acted in the capacity of Deputy Inspector General there, and Repre- 
sentative of the Sovereign Grand Consistory in the United States, 
near that body. 

The Sovereign Grand Consistory also granted Patents for the for- 
mation of Grand Councils of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret 
Thirty-second, and Capitulary Charters for Chapters of Rose Croix at 
the following places, viz. : 

Baltimore, State of Maryland, 

Havanna, Island of Cuba, 

Mayaguez, Island of Porto Rico, 

CUMANA, \ 

Barcelona, I Republic of Colombia. 
La Guayra, ) 
Appointing Deputy Inspectors General, residing in the above places, 
as Representatives. (See Document No. 24, Appendix.) 

.1823.. The Sovereign Grand Consistory completed this year the fitting up 
of the Hall intended for its regular semi-monthly meetings. It was 
situated in St. John's Hall, Frankfort street, and was finished in a 
style which, in those days, was magnificent, and required a very 
considerable expenditure. 

During the preceding year, a very considerable excitement among 
members of the Order, was created by the notorious Emanuel De La 
Motta, through a man by the name of Joseph McCosh, whom he 
afterwards made a member of the Supreme Council there. The oppo- 
sition was arrayed against Peter Javain, Deputy Inspector General for 
the State of South Carolina. It at last, found a place in the daily 
papers there. The Sovereign Grand Consistory issued an Edict rela- 
tive to the matter, which will be found in the (Appendix, Document 
No. 24, and also Document No. 21.) 

1824. On the 15th of August, the Marquis de Lafayette landed in New 
Tork city, was received as the Nation's Guest, and during this year 
was exalted by the Supreme Grand Council to the Thirty-third and 
last degree of Masonry. 

On the 22d of November the Sovereign Grand Consistory granted a 
Capitulary Charter for a Sovereign Chapter of Princes of Rose Croix, 
under the distinctive title of " Lafayette," for the valley of New York. 
(Document No. 14.) 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 295 

1825. An application was made during the month of January to the Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory, by Richard S. Spofford, M. D., residing at 
Newburyport, Mass., for exaltation, which request was granted. 
And at a subsequent meeting of the Consistory, the Most Illustrious 
Brother Richard S. Spofford was appointed Deputy Inspector General 
for the State of Massachusetts, and clothed with full power to open 
and constitute a Sovereign Chapter of Prince of Rose Croix, and 
also to form a Grand Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret 
for that State. (See Document No. 25 .) 

A Representative, and Deputy Inspector General for the State of 
Virginia, was appointed this year. The Most Illustrious Brother 
John P. Schisano, formerly Secretary General, removed to Norfolk, 
Virginia, and filled the above appointment. 

1826. There was nothing of importance which occurred during this year. 
The work of the Order progressed as usual, many new members were 
received ; and the present jear may be considered as the period when 
the Masonic Institution in the United States enjoyed unprecedented 
popularity. 

1827. The Anti-Masonic, or Morgan excitement, broke out in the early part of 
this year, carrying desolation in its course ; and by the end of the 
year had swept everything before it throughout the States of New 
York, Yermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, 
Pennsylvania, and some of the other States. All bodies which bore 
the name of " Masonry " were dissolved. Lodges, Chapters, Coun- 
cils, Encampments, &c., ceased to hold their meetings. Most of them 
surrendered their Charters and Properties, and in some of the States 
the meeting of a Masonic body for working purposes was made a seri- 
ous offence against the laws, and punished with heavy penalties. The 
Sovereign Grand Consistory suffered in common with other Masonic 
bodies ; and it appears by the records, that its labors were brought to 
a close, by common consent, on the 28th day of November of this 
year. Much of the furniture and properties were removed from the 
Consistory Room to the care of Illustrious Brother Lewis B. Timolat 
and Henry Marsh, v/ho, with a few of the brethren, kept up the con- 
stitutional meetings of the bodies for a considerable time after their 
formal dissolution. 

1828. The Sovereign Grand Consistory met with a most severe and heavy 
loss in the death of the Hon. Dewitt Clinton, Sovereign Grand Com- 
mander for the United States. He died in the month of February, at 
Albany, the place of his residence. 

1829. 1830, 1831 — Are blank years in all Masonic undertakings. 



296 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

1832. An effort was made this year, in the midst of the Anti-Masonic excitement, 

to revive the work of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, by the Most Illus- 
trious Brother de St. Laurent. Marquis de Santa Rosa and Count, 
Past Master, Sovereign Grand Inspector General Thirty-third, Ex- 
Grand Commander ad viiam of the former Supreme Council of South 
America, New Spain, &c., &c., who had arrived in New York, and who 
proposed to gather together the fragments of the former body, and erect 
a Supreme Council of the Thirty-third and last degree, under the dis- 
tinct title of the " United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere.'' 
The Most Illustrious Brother Elias Hicks, Ex-Grand Commander of 
the former Supreme Council of the United States of America, ad vitam, 
was constituted Sovereign Grand Commander ; and the offices were 
filled, as far as possible, by the members of the old body. A full 
list of which, together with all the active and honorary members, 
foreign members, dependent and corresponding bodies, will be found in 
the Appendix (Document No. 27). It was called " United," because 
it entered into a Treaty of Alliance and Friendship with the Supreme 
Grand Council of Terra Firma, New Spain, &c. For a full account of 
this Union, see history, page 203, and Treaty in Appendix, Document 
No. 27 and 28. During this year, Brother Leblanc de Marconnay, was 
received. 

1833. A proposition was made to the body to bring into it some of the mem- 
bers of another body, which had styled itself a Supreme Grand Council 
of the Thirty-third degree in New York city. This led to a great 
deal of dissatisfaction among the members who had belonged to the 
former body, and a very bad feeling was the consequence. Many 
members withdrew, and the Council again began to decline. 

The Patent for Leblanc de Marconnay, who was constituted a Sove- 
•reign Grand Inspector General Thirty-third degree, December 20, 
1832, was issued in January. 

Although some members were added, the public feeliug against the 
institution of Masonry did not decrease. And the efforts of members 
to build up the Council were not attended with any great success. 
The correspondence was kept up. 

1834. On the 23d of February the Treaty of Alliance and Friendship was 
drawn up and signed in Paris by the Representatives of the Councils 
there assembled in a Masonic Congress, for that purpose. (See Ap- 
pendix, Document No. 28.) The Marquis de I^afayette was the 
Representative to the Supreme Council of France from the United 
Supreme Council of the Western Hemisphere. 

The news of the death of the Most Illustrious and P .'. Brother, the 
Marquis de Lafayette, a former member of the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory, and from the year 1832 the Represetative of the United 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 297 

Supreme Council near the Supreme Council of France, was received, 
and a Committee appointed, in accordance with the following resolu- 
tion : 

" The Sovereign Grand Commander stated, that since the last sitting 
of the United Supreme Council the melancholy intelligence of the 
death of our Illustrious Brother and our Representative in the Supreme 
Council of France, the Marquis General de Lafayette, had been 
received through the medium of the public press. He accordingly, 
availed himself of the present occasion, to call the attention of the 
United Supreme Council to the subject, that such order might be 
taken thereon, as would evince the deep and sincere sorrow felt by 
them, under this severe and lamentable dispensation. Whereupon it 
was ordered. 

" That the Illustrious Brothers Velasquez, Longworth, and Bouchaud, 
be a Committee to prepare and report proper resolutions expressive 
of the grief felt by the United Supreme Council, on hearing that the 
Most Potent and Illustrious Brother Lafayette, was no more, in order 
that the same may be entered upon the minutes of its proceedings, and 
a copy sent, with a suitable letter of condolence, to the family of the 
deceased Illustrious Brother. 

" The Illustrious Brother Count St. Laurent, who had returned to 
France in 1833, then became the Representative, and filled the place 
made vacant by the death of Lafayette." 

The dissatisfaction of the members was on the inerease. The resig- 
nation of Miguel Cabrera de Nevarez, Assistant Grand Secretary for 
Foreign Languages, was received and accepted, he being obliged to 
return to Spain during the year. 

1835. A Committee was appointed to wait upon Brother Timolat, and 
receive from him the properties of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, 
which had been removed by him and other brethren for safe keeping. 
in the year 1827, with power to pay all expenses which had accrued 
upon the same. The Committee consisted of Illustrious Brothers 
John Telfair, George Smith, and Thomas Longworth. 

The meetings of Lafayette Chapter of Rose Croix were continued 
under the Presidency of Ilustrious Brother Henry C. Atwood, assisted 
by Brothers Wm. F. Piatt, Henry Marsh, and others, and a consider- 
able number of new members from other bodies came in. 

1836. On the 6th day of December the treaty of Alliance and Friendship 
was ratified and signed in full Council, thus uniting the Supreme 
Council of France with the Supreme Council of Belgium, the Supreme 
Council of Brazil, and the United Supreme Council of the Western 
Hemisphere. The spirit of this treaty was a Declaration of Indepen- 
dence of the Rite, forbidding intermixture with any other rite what- 



298 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

ever and toleration. This was deemed antagonistic to Ancient York 
Masonry ; and as that system was about being revived, the United 
Supreme Council declined. 

1837. A year of unexampled misfortune. The mercantile world was in a 
complete confusion, and Masonry was less thought of than at any 
previous time. 

A difficulty occurred this year between the Grand Lodge of the State 
of New York and a large number of brethren, who were desirous of 
celebrating the 25th of June or St. John's Festival, by a public pro- 
cession. The consequent proceedings which grew out of this matter, 
separated some of the members who owed allegiance to the Supreme 
Council in Lafayette Rose Croix Chapter. Its meetings were con- 
tinued, and out of it came a second Supreme Council and Consistory, 
which continued until the Union in 1850. 

1838. The furniture and fixtures of the Sublime Lodge of Perfection, Council 
of Princes of Jerusalem, Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, and Sublime 
Princes of the Royal Secret, were purchased from Illustrious Brother 
Timolat, and paid for by Lafayette Chapter of Rose Croix. They were 
removed to Union Hall. The regular meetings of the United Supreme 
Council had ceased from want of numbers and want of interest. 

1839. The popular feeling against Masonry began to subside, and some of the 
Lodges throughout the State of New York resumed their labors. 
There was but one meeting of the Supreme Council during the year. 
Present, Illustrious Brothers Joseph Bouchaud, Francis Dubuar, and 
five other brethren, most of the other members having dropped off. 

1840. There was but one formal meeting of the Supreme Council during this 
year. The meetings of the Lafayette Chapter of Rose Croix were 
continued. 

1841 to 1846. The Minutes of the United Supreme Council show, that the 
stated or constitutional meetings of the same were continued (annual), 
up to 1846. Owing to various causes, the Council had dwindled down 
to a very small number. On the 27th day of October, 1846, the final 
meeting of the body was held, and the following Illustrious Brothers 
were present, viz. : Joseph Bouchaud, President ; John Telfair, George 
Smith, John S. Mitchell, Assistant Secretary. 

On motion of Brother Telfair, it was ordered that the funds of the 
Supreme Council, in the hands of the Treasurer, be distributed pro 
rata among the surviving members of the United Supreme Council, who 
composed the body previous to the introduction of new members. 

In accordance with this resolution, Illustrious Brother Bouchaud, 
Treasurer General, then paid over $120 to Illustrious Brother George 



SUPEEME COUNCIL-U. S. A. 299 

Smith, Secretary General of Supreme Council, to be divided among 
five brethren, Brother Bouchaud refusing to receive any part of the 
same. 

This date terminated the existence of this branch of the body as then 
constituted, and it thereby came to an end. It was replaced by the 
members who had retired at various times and took refuge in Lafayette 
Rose Croix Chapter, together with those who were not associated with 
any other body of Sublime Masons. 

1848. During this year, a circular signed by J. J. J. Gourgas and others 
made its appearance, and was distributed to most of the Masonic bodies 
in this country. The document pretended to emanate from a body of 
men who styled themselves a Supreme Grand Council of the Thirty- 
third degree. Ancient and Accepted Rite. It was not noticed by any 
of the bodies to which it was sent. 

1850. During this year, the difficulties which had existed between the two 
Grand Lodges for a period of Thirteen years, were adjusted, a union 
of the bodies took place, and the greax obstacle, which had been the 
means of preventing the full re-organization of the Supreme Grand 
Council, was removed out of the way. Immediately after this union 
was consummated, a meeting of some of the members of the Council 
was held, and it was decided to go forward in the work. A Committee 
was appointed to wait upon the old members, and if possible, to pro- 
cure their attendance at a future meeting. As yet no complete organi- 
zation was effected. 

1851. In the month of June the Most Potent Sovereign Past Grand Comman- 
der, Hon. John W. Mulligan, visited the Supreme Council, confirmed 
the proceedings of the brethren, and pressed upon them the necessity of 
a complete organization under a proper head. This organization was 
soon after eSected, and a full account of the same will be found in the 
history ; also Document No. 32. Appendix. 

The correspondence with various Supreme Councils was this year 
renewed, and several petitions were received for the re-orgjj^nization of 
subordinate bodies. The publication of the circular brought forth two 
Edicts, viz., one from the Gourgas body, and one from the Charleston 
body, denouncing the whole of the members as " Impostors." 

1853. In consequence of prolonged ill health, Illustrious Brother Jeremy 
L. Cross resigned his office as Sovereign Grand Commander, and re- 
moved his residence to New Hampshire. Illustrious Brother Salem 
Town, also resigned his office. 

In accordance with the petition of members of Jerusalem Chapter 
Sovereign Prince of Rose Croix, that Chapter was re-organized and 



300 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

again commenced its labors; also Lafayette Chapter, under the old 
warrant of 1824. 

Several communications were received during this year from the 
Supreme Grand Council of Louisiana, and in the month of July the 
Grand Commander Illustrious Brother James Foulhouze, presented 
himself as a Deputy from that Supreme Council, with proper creden- 
tials, and was received in due form. 

Being about to re-organize the Council, in consequence of the 
resignation of the Grand Commander, the Most Puissant Brother 
Foulhouze then installed Illustrious Brother Henry C. Atwood as 
Sovereign Grand Commander, with the other officers elect. 

A Treaty of Union was entered into between the two Supreme 
Councils, and Illustrious Brother Foulhouze shortly after, sailed for 
France. 

1853. During the early part of this year, the Sovereign Chapter Prince of 
Rose Croix, by title ''La Sincerite," (French), deriving from the 
Supreme Council of Louisiana, came under the jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Council of New York. 

Two petitions were received for Symbolic Lodges, one for the English 
ritual, the other for the French, which petitions were granted. The 
French Lodge " La Sincerite," was soon after constituted in due 
form. 

Brother H. Rillet having been proposed as a member of the Supreme 
Council and favorably reported upon, was received in due form, and 
constituted and proclaimed a Sovereign Grand Inspector General of 
the Thirty-third degree ; also Brother Gustav. Coutant, having been 
previously proposed, examined, and reported upon favorably, was ele- 
vated to the dignity of Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 
Thirty-third degree, and constituted a member of the Supreme 
Council. 

In the early part of the year the Most Potent and Illustrious Brother 
General T. C. De Mosquera, of New Grenada, was received in ample 
fown by the Supreme Council, and the most friendly congratulations 
were exchanged . 

In the month of October a reply was received from the Supreme 
Council of New Grenada, forming an alliance with the Supreme Coun- 
cil of New York, and appointing Illustrious Brother Henri Eillet 
Representative for the Grand Orient and Supreme Council of New 
Grenada near the Supreme Council of New York. 

On the 1st day of January the Illustrious Brother Leblanc de 
Marconnay, Orator to the Chamber of Council and of Appeals, Grand 
Orient of France, was elected an honorary member of the Supreme 
Council of New York, and a Diploma forwarded to him to that effect. 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 301 

In consequence of difiBculties arising among the German brethren, 
the Illustrious Brother Edward Unkart, tendered his resignation as an 
officer of the Council, which was accepted. 

1854. In the early part of this year, the resignation of Illustrious Brother 
Eugene Yatet was received, also his withdrawal from the Council, 
also Ae resignation of Illustrious Brothers Dezelus and Roullier, and 
their withdrawal. 

Some difficulties and dissensions having arisen in Lodge La Sincerite 
No. 2, the labors of that Lodge were suspended, and the said Lodge 
subsequently withdrew from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council, 
and placed itself under the jurisdiction, of the Grand Lodge of the State 
of New York. 

1855. In consequence of the numerous resignations, an Election of Officers 
took place, and the new incumbents were installed in due form. 

A petition was received from Ten brethren, asking to be initiated in 
the various bodies, in order that they might form a Lodge of Perfec- 
tion, Council of Princes of Jerusalem, Sovereign Chapter of Rose 
Croix, Council of Kadosch, and Council of Sublime Princes of the 
Royal Secret. After proper examination, and the usual inquiries, the 
petition was favorably acted upon, and the brethren referred to the 
proper bodies to receive their degrees. 

By the month of July, the brethren having completed their initia- 
tions, warrants of Constitution were granted for a Sublime Lodge of 
Perfection, Council of Princes of Jerusalem, Sovereign Chapter Prince 
of Rose Croix, Council of Kadosch, and Council of Sublime Princes of 
the Royal Secret ; and all the above bodies were duly constituted. 

A petition was also received from Thirteen brethren, asking for a 
warrant of Constitution for a Grand Council of Princes of the Royal 
Secret Thirty-second degree. Most of the applicants being members 
of the Sublime Lodge of Perfection, Council of Princes of Jerusalem, 
and Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, under the title of " Jerusalem," 
and they being desirous of connecting the same with the above Coun- 
cil, the warrant was granted, and the Council was constituted in due 
form, in the mouth of August. 

1856. During this year. Illustrious Brother Seth Driggs, Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General, and Grand Commander of the Grand Consistory, 
Island of Trinidad, renewed his membership with the Supreme Coun- 
cil, and deposited his former Commission with the same. 

Also Illustrious Brother Richard S. Spofford, M. D., Deputy Inspec- 
tor General for the State of Massachusetts, renewed his membership 
•with the Supreme Council, and deposited his commission with the same 
for renewal. 



302 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Applications were also received from the State of Maine and New 
Hampshire, for the establishment of the various bodies in those 

States. 

"From the period last named until 1859, there were no changes in 
the membership of the Supreme Council, with the exception of the 
admission of Illustrious Brother William H. Jarvis, who%as appointed 
Grand Commander of the Guard ; and indeed though the annual ses- 
sions were regularly held, the transactions were not of importance, 
if the year 1857 be excepted, when a recognition, &c., &c., of this 
Supreme Council was received from the Supreme Council of Belgium. 
"In the latter part of September, 1860, the Most Illustrious Brother 
Henry C. At wood. Sovereign Grand Commander, died at his residence 
in the State of Connecticut. In the month of October following, the 
announcement of that event was made at a meeting of the Supreme 
Council, when Illustrious Brother Edmund B. Hays, P .-. Lieutenant 
Grand Commander became Most Potent Sovereign Grand Comman- 
der ; Illustrious Brother Hopkins Thompson, P .-. Lieutenant Grand 
Commander ; Illustrious Brother Geo. L. Osborn, Grand Secretary 
General of the H. E. ; Illustrious Brother Benjamin C. Leveridge, 
Grand Minister of State; Illustrious Brother Robert E. Roberts, 
Grand Treasurer General, H. E. ; Illustrious Brother Harry J. 
Seymour, Grand Master of Ceremonies. 

"In 1861, Illustrious Brother Daniel Sickles became Grand Secretary 
General of H. E., in place of Illustrious Brother Osborn resigned ; Il- 
lustrious Brother Henry C. Banks, Grand Marshall, and Illustrious 
Brother John Innes Grand, Standard Bearer. 

"The Supreme Council at the commencement of this year (1862) was 
composed of the following Illustrious Brethren : 
Edmund B. Hays, Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander, 
Hopkins Thompson, P .'. Lieutenant Grand Commander, 
Benj. C. Leveridge, Grand Orator and Grand Minister of State, 
Daniel Sickles, " Chancellor, " Secretary G .*. of the 

H. E., and Keeper of the S /. and A .*, 
Robert E. Roberts, " Treasurer General of the H. E 
Henry C. Banks, " Marshall, 

Henry J. Seymour, " Master of Ceremonies, 
John Innes, " Standard Bearear, 

William H. Jarvis, " Commander of Guards. 
»'Onthe 17th of January, 1862, the venerable Patriarch the Most 
Illustrious Brother John W. Mulligan, who with the Illustrious 
Brother Joseph Cerneau was one of the founders of the Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory in 1807, and Supreme Council in 1812, 
and who at the last annual meeting of the latter body, a short time 



SUPEEME COUXCIL-U. S. A. 303 

previons to his decease, was present during its deliberation?, in the 
94th year of his age, and in the full possession of his intellectual 
faculties, vras relieved of his earthly labors, for a better and more en- 
during Council on High. 

*'0n the 23d of same month, the Supreme Council convened at the 
city of Trenton. Xew Jersey, constituted a Grand Consistory for that 
State, and installed the following Illustrious Brothers as officers : 
"Thomas J. Corson, M, D., (Grand Senior Warden of the Grand 
LodgeT Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, and Grand Com- 
mander of the Grand Commandery of the State,) Commander-in- 
Chief; George B. Edwards, Deputy Commander-in-Chief; Joseph 
H. Hough, (Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge,) 1st Lieutenant 
Commander ; TTm. T. Woodruff, 2d Lieutenant Commander ; ATm. E. 
Stagg, Grand Minister of State; Eeuben S. Tan Tassell, Grand 
Chancellor ; John Woolverton. M. D., (Grand Secretary of the Grand 
Chapter.) Grand Secretary ; S. R. Terrell, Grand Treasm^er ; Wm. 
R. Clapp, Grand Keeper of Seals; Wm. Armstrong, Grand 'Engi- 
neer ; W. T. Nicholson, Grand Hospitaller ; James E. Emerson, 
Grand Master of Ceremonies ; Charles Bechtel, Grand Captain of 
Guards; John P. Xelson, Grand Standard Bearer; A. P. Howell, 
Grand Sentinel. 

"The interesting ceremonies incident to the above organization 
were greatly heightened by the presence of Illustrious Brothers 
David Naar, and Thomas W. Satterthwaite, Sovereign Grand Inspec- 
tors General, — signers of the ratification of the Triple Treaty of 
Alliance between the Supreme ' Councils of France and Brazil and this 
Supreme body in 1836, emeritus members of this Council, who parti- 
cipated in the proceedings. 

On the 3d day of May, 1862, in compliance with the petition of a 
constitutional number of Illustrious Brothers, who had previously 
received their degrees from the Sovereign Grand Consistory, New 
York city, the Officers of the Supreme Grand Council for the United 
States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, proceeded 
to Boston, Massachusetts, for the purpose of constituting a Grand 
Consistory, Thirty-second degree, for that State, and installing the 
Officers of the same. The ceremonies were of the most interesting 
character. 

The following is a list of the Officers installed : 

Dlastrious Brothers, 
Gilbert J. Nourse, Cambridge, Grand Commander-in-Chief 

John- K. Hall, Somerville, Deputy Grand Commander. 

Richard M. Barker, Boston, 2d Lieut. Grand Commander. 

Wm. F. Kxowles, Cambridgeport, 1st Lieut. Grand Comm.ander. 



304 



SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



Illustrious Brothers. 

Eich'd S. Spofford Jr., Newburyp't. 

Nicholas Hathaway, Dorchester, 
Elihu C. Baker, Medford, 
Albion K. P. Welch, Cambridge, 
Rob't Lewis Davis, Watertown, 
Weare B. Bickford, Brighton, 
James R. Gardner, Boston, 
James R. Bugbee, Somerville, 
Daniel W. Lawrence, Medford, 



Ml .'. Min.\ of State, 
and Grand Orator. 
Grand Chancellor, 
" Secretary, 
" Treasurer, 
" Engineer and Int. 
" Hospitaller, 
" Master of Ceremonies, 
" Captain of the Guards, 
" Sentinel. 



MEMBERS : 
Benj. F. Nourse, p. M., Grand Lecturer for Mass, 
John D. Jennings, P. M., 
L. MuDGE, P. M., and W. P. Butterfield, P. M. 

For list of Officers, Active, and Honorary Members of the Supreme 
Grand Council for the United States of America, see Document No. 
41. 



CHAPTER ELEYEXTH. 
AN EPITOME OF EVENTS, AND OCCURRENCES, 

Directly, or indirectly connected with the " Rite''^ — very full, and extend- 
ing from the year 1700 to the year 1862, derived from various authors 
who have written upon the subject. 

1700. Masonry, in any of its forms, entirely unknown in France. Nor were 
charters or warrants of constitution known in England or Scotland, 
it being lawful for all Master Masons to congregate and open a Lodge, 
by recording their intention before a Justice of the Peace. (Preston, 
page 304.) 

1717. February. The first Grand Lodge was formed by Four Lodges meet- 
ing in London, which bodies constituted themselves into a Grand 
Lodge pro tem. At this convocation the Law was established, that 
the privilege for assembling Masons, " which had hitherto been unlim- 
ited,'' should be vested in certain Lodges, and assemblies of Masons, 
convened in certain places ; and that every Lodge to be hereafter con- 
vened should be legally authorized to act by a " warrant " from the 
Grand Master, granted to certain individuals by " Petition" with the 
consent and approbation of the Grand Lodge in communication, and 
that without such warrant no Lodge was regular or constitutional. 
(Preston and others.) 

1722. The celebrated " Constitutions of Masonry " known as " Anderson's 
Constitutions," adopted by the Grand Lodge of England. 

1725. The first Masonic Lodge known in France, was instituted at Paris by 
Lord Derwenwater, Markelyne, D'Hegnetty, and some other English 
brethren. It was chartered by the Grand Lodge of England, and 
worked in Three degrees. 

1729. Masonry introduced into the East Indies in Three degrees, by the 
Grand Lodge of England. 

1730. The " Primitive Scottish Rite," of Chevalier Ramsay, was introduced 
into France by ■' himself," and consisted of the Three Blue degrees 
and Three others. Prichard's celebrated book called " Masonry 
Dissected," was published in London ; and, subsequently, passed through 
many editions. Masonry was first introduced into Ireland by the 
Grand Lodge of England in Three degrees. 



306 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

1731. Masonry was first introduced at the Hague, also into Prussia and 
Spain from England, in Three degrees, during this year. 

1733. The first Master's Lodge was chartered in Boston by the Grand 
Lodge of England, out of which grew the Provincial Grand Lodge 
chartered by the Grand Lodge of England, by title " St. John's Grand 
Lodge.'^ 

1734. June 24th. The first Masters Lodge chartered in Philadelphia 
Penn., by the St. John's Grand Lodge of Mass., Benjamin Franklin* 
W. M. 

1736. December 24th. The Four Lodges existing at Paris unite and elect 
Lord Harnsnester as Grand Master. The Chevalier Ramsay acts as 
Orator to the Assembly. At this meeting, the Grand Lodge adopts 
Ramsay's " Primitive Scottish Rite." The rite in this year was in- 
creased One degree, making Seven, viz. : Ecossai, Novice, and 
Knight of the Temple, with the new degree added. The first Masters 
Lodge, Constituted in South Carolina, by the Earl of London, G. M. 
of G. L. of England, called " Solomon's Lodge No. 1. 

1737. The first Provincial Grand Lodge in the State of New York was 
chartered during this year by the Grand Lodge of England. 

1738. June 24th. The Duke d'Autin elected Grand Master of France. 

1739. Serious difficulties arise in the Grand Lodge of England, causing a 
large number of the members to secede and to take to themselves the 
name of " Ancients. They give the name " Modern ' to the Grand 
Lodge which they have left. This year Masonry was first introduced 
into Switzerland, and spreads with great rapidity there, 

1740. A serious rupture takes place between the Grand Lodge at York and 
the Grand Lodge of England (London.) 

1743. The Grand Lodge assumes the title of " English Grand Lodge of 
France." The Count of Clermont is elected Grand Master. It was 
working under a charter from the Grand Lodge of England. 

At this time the degree of " Knight of the Sun " was manufactured, 
also the degree of '* Kadosch " was invented by the Masons of Lyons, 
under the title of ''Petit Elu.^' The Jesuits also concocted and put 
together the degree of " Knights of the Rose Croix J^ 

1744. The Count of Clermont left the Lodges to take care of themselves, and 
appointed first, Baure, a Banker, and afterwards Lacorns, a Dancing 
Master, a Special Deputy, thus putting the whole Order in his hands. 
Disorders of every kind invaded Masonry. Charters became merchan- 
dise, new degrees swarmed like flies, Restaurateurs bought Masterships 
for life, and " everybody " sold degrees. The followers of Charles 



I 



SUPKEME COUNCIL-U. S. A. 307 

Edward Stuart, the Sou of the Preteuder, opened Lodges without 
authority. 

1747. Charles Edward Stuart, the son of the Pretender, on the 15th of April, 
founded the Primordal Chapter of Arras, under the distinctive title of 
^' Ecosse Jacobite." This was the first chapter, or centre of the High 
degrees in France. 

1748. The Rite " De la Vieille Brue,'' or of the Faithful Scotsman, was 
established at Toulouse, in France. 

1750. The Lodge of St. John of Scotland (St. Jean d' Ecosse), was founded at 
Marseilles by a travelling Mason. This Lodge, previous to the French 
Eevolution, took the title of " Mother Lodge of Marseilles," and after- 
wards of " Scottish Mother Lodge of France" Their rite was termed 
the " Scottish Philosophic Rite." It consisted of Eighteen degrees, the 
first three being the Symbolic degrees, and the Eighteenth the " Knight 
of the Sun." Some authors state this to be 1751. August 12th, 
Hiram Lodge No. 1, New Haven, Conn., was chartered by the Pro- 
vincial St. John's Grand Lodge of Mass. 

1752. A power of the High degrees was established under the pompous title 
of " Sovereign Council Sublime Scottish Mother Lodge of the Grand 
French Globe." It was afterwards called, or rather called itself, 
" Sovereign Council, Sublime Mother Lodge of the Excellents of the 
Grand French Globe." The " Council of the Emperors of the East 
and West " assumed that title in 1780. November 30th, the first 
Masters Lodge was chartered in Boston, Mass., by the " Grand Lodge 
of Ancients " iu London, which afterwards became " St. Andrew's 
Grand Lodge" by Provincial Charter from that Grand Lodge. 

1753. The Royal Arch degree, previously imported from France, was adopted 
in England by the " Grand Lodge of Ancients" (Athol), but rejected 
by the " Grand Lodge of Moderns, (G. L. of England.) 

1754. The Chevalier de Bonneville established a Chapter of the High degrees 
at Paris, styled the " Chapter of Clermoyit." Martinez Pascalis, 
established his Rite of the " Elus Coens." He carried it to Paris in 
1767. Martinism grew out of it. 

1756. The " Grand Lodge of France " declared its independence and dropped 
the word ''English," (Anglaise,) out of its title. It had worked 
hitherto, up to this date, under a Charter from the Grand Lodge of 
England, in the Symbolic degrees (the high degrees of Ramsay on its 
own account.) It now became the " Grand Lodge of France," revised 
its Constitution, and adopted New Regulations, declaring that it 
would recognize the Three degrees of Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and 



308 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Master only. Hitherto the Scottish Philosophic Rite of Ramsay, 
which had been adopted 1736, was worked in that body. 

1757. The Order of " Noachites, or Prussian Knights/' was introduced in 
Paris, by M. de St. Gelaire. The Provincial Grand Lodge for South 
Carolina was chartered this year. A Masters Lodge chartered in 

. New York city by the title of " St. John's.'' 

1758. Certain Masoos, styling themselves " Princes and Grand Officers of 
the Grand and Sovereign Lodge of St. John at Jerusalem," founded 
at Paris, a " Chapter of Emperors of the East and West." It consisted 
of Twenty-five degrees, divided into Seven Classes. It was formed 
from the ruins of the " Chapter of Clermont," founded in 1754, by the 
Chevalier de Bonneville. The First Chapter of Royal Arch Masons 
in the United States was authorized this year, the power to confer 
that degree being granted to a Blue Lodge by the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania. 

A second Masters Lodge was chartered in Pennsylvania by the 
Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons, styled " No. 2." 

1759. A " Council of Princes of the Royal Secret " was founded at Bordeaux, 
by the Chapter of the Emperors of the East and West at Paris. 

1761. Lacorne, the dancing master. Special Deputy of the Grand Master, and 
as such, real head of the Order, enraged because the Grand Lodge 
refused .to recognize him and its members to sit with them, established 
a new Grand Lodge. Both Grand Lodges granted Charters, and the 
Council of the Emperors of the East and West, constituted at Paris, 
and throughout France, Lodges and Chapters. The old Grand Lodge 
denounced the "faction LcLcorne," which, nevertheless, continued to 
thrive. In the midst of all this, viz., in 1761, August 27th, Stephen 
Morin was commissioned. His Patent styles him as " Deputy Grand 
Inspector." 

1762. Lacorne, the dancing master, a member of the Council of the Emperors 
of the East and West, and a Tailor, named ^' Pirlet," set up a new 
body in 1762, styled '" Council of the Knights of the East," with a rite 
opposed to the Templar system of the Emperors of the East and 
West. This body was formed July 22d. 

On the 21st of September the Council of the Emperors of the East 
and West published a list of the degrees administered by it instituted a 
Council of Princes of the Royal Secret at Bordeaux, where the rite 
was examined and arranged, and nine Commissioners, part from the 
Council of the Emperors, and part from the Council of Princes settled 
at Bordeaux, the Regulations of the Masonry of Perfection in Thirty- 
five articles. The Count of Clermont revokes the appointment of 
Lacorne, and appoints Challon de Joinville as his substitute. 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 309 

1764. A ProviDcial Grand Lodge in Pennsylvania was chartered' this year 
by the Grand Lodge of England, which continued its operations in 
that State until the Revolution. 

1765. The members of the former Grand Lodge of Lacorne retire from the 
Grand Lodge, in consequence of the Election of Officers on the the 2d 
June. 

1766. August 17th. The Grand Lodge of France, in which the Council of 
Emperors had its Chamber, and was in union with the same, 
annulled the Patent of Stephen Morin, and appointed W. Brothef 
Martin to fill his place. {Ragon.) 

The " Rose Croix rectified of Sckroeder/' established at Marburg, in 
Hesse Cassel. Tliory, and other authors state : ** The Grand Lodge 
of France in 1766, refused a Chamber for the Scottish degrees, 
and undertook to suppress them. The Council of Emperors of the 
East and West, the Chapter of Clermont, the Chapter of Arras, the 
Council of Bordeaux, the Philosophic Mother Lodges, and the Scottish 
Directories^ were all rival powers to the Grand Lodge. 

1767. The Grand Lodge of France is closed by order of the Government, 
and does not resume its labors until 1771. 

The Sublime Grand Lodge of Perfection said to have been established 
at Albany, New York, by Francken. (Address of Giles Fonda 
Yates, 1851.) 

1770. The "Primitive Scottish Rite" established at Namur in Thirty-three 
degrees. 

1771. Death of the Count de Clermont. The Duke de Chartres elected 
Grand Master. June 21st, the Grand Lodge of France resumes its 
labors. Provincial Grand Lodge for North Carolina, Chartered by 
the Grand Lodge of Scotland. 

1772. Grand Orient of France instituted. 

The " Council of the Emperors of the East and West " was merged 
into the Grand Orient by Concordat, and with the Grand Lodge of 
France. (See Treaty, Appendix, Document No. 2.) The Grand 
Orient at this time wore the title of " National Grand Lodge." 

1773. The " Rite of Philalethes;' founded at Paris, by Salvalette de Langes 
and others. 

On the 27th December, the " National Grand Lodge'" (Grand Orient) 
declared that it would thenceforward, work in Symbolic Masonry 
alone ; and forbade the Lodges to go beyond the Third degree in their 
labors. They appointed a Committee to revise the "-High degrees.'' 
The Lodges were requested to suspend all labor in the High degrees, as 
the Grand Orient itself did. 



310 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

1774 December 27th. The Grand Lodge of France assumes the title of 
*' Sole and Only Grand Orient of France." 

Three Directories of the " Reformed Rite of Dresden " are established 
at Lyons, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg. 

Francken established the Royal Orders in Jamaica. He continued 
at their head for several years, after which they fell asleep and laid 
dormant. 

1776. The " Philosophical Scottish Rite," instituted at Paris by Boileau, a 

Physician, and worked until 1826, and in Belgium ever since. 
A Treaty of Union between the Grand Orient and the three Scottish 
Directories at Lyons, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg, was entered into. 
April 2d. The " Scottish Mother Lodge of France^" (Philosophical 
Rite,) was established at Paris under the title of " Contrat Social.'' 
August 18th. The Mother Lodge of the *' Contrat Vennaissin," in- 
corporated in the Mother Lodge of the Philosophical Rite at Paris. 
The Grand Lodge for the State of Georgia constituted. 

1777. The Holy Royal Arch degree, manufactured by the Chev. Ram- 
say, and adopted in 1753 by the Grand Lodge of Ancients, as the 
Fourth degree of Masonry, was this year adopted by the " Moderns " 
in Grand Lodge. 

1778. The Grand Lodge for the State of Virginia was formed. 

1779. The rite of the ''Elect of Truth" created. The Grand Chapter of 
England was established during this year. 

1780. The "■Primitive Scottish Rite,'" or Philadelphi, founded at Narbonne, 
and united with the Grand Orient in 1806. 

The " Council of the Emperors of the East and West " assumes the 
title of " Sublime Scottish Mother Lodge of the Grand French Globe, 
Sovereign Grand Lodge of France." The " Scottish Chapter of Arras,"" 
instituted a Ros(^ Croix Chapter, under the title of " Arras of the Val- 
ley of Paris." Unites with the Grand Orient in 1801. 

1781. Concordat between the Grand Orient and the Mother Lodge of the 
Philosophical Rite. The Grand Orient created within itself a cham- 
ber of the High degrees, which labored at a revision of them, and 
in 1786 reported " Four," viz. : EIu, Ecossais, Knight of the East, 
and Rose Croix. These were adopted by the Grand Orient, to be 
worked in addition to the Three Symbolic degrees ; and it thereupon 
decreed that no others should be worked in the Lodges or Chapters 
under its jurisdiction. The Seven degrees thus arranged, have since 
been practiced by the Grand Orient, and are known all over the world 
as the '' Modern French Rite?^ 

A so-called •' Convention of Inspectors " was held at Philadelphia. 



SUPREME COUNCIL_U. S. A. 311 

The members were Solomon Bush, Inspector for Pennsylvania ; Isaac 
da Costa, for the West Indies and North America ; Simon Nathan, 
for North Carolina; Samuel Myers, for Leeward Islands; Barend M, 
Spitzer, for Georgia ; Thomas Randal, for New Jersey. (A goodly 
company.) At the Convention, Barend M. Spitzer, received his 
Patent as a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, dated June 25th. 
Sept. 5th. A Provincial Grand Lodge for the State of New York, 
chartered by the Grand Lodge of Ancients, under the Duke of Athol. 

1782. The " Rectified Rite^'' was established in France. 

July 2d. Abraham Jacobs initiated in St. Andrew's Lodge, Boston, 
and passed to a Fellow Craft. His Diary states, that some time subse- 
quently, he was raised to a Master Mason in Lodge No. 1, Charleston, 
South Carolina. 

1783. The "•' Eclectic Rite,'' established in Germany and Switzerland. 

The ^^ System of Swedenhorg^' introduced at Paris by the Marquis 
de Frome. 

1784. The " Grand Chapter General of France " came into existence. 

1786. The Grand Orient established the Modern French Rite of Seven 
degrees, which contain the substance of the first Eighteen degrees of 
the Rite of Perfection. It rejected all above the Eighteenth degree. 
The Scottish Directories, which by the treaty of 1776 with the Grand 
Orient, had the exclusive working and administration ot the Reformed 
Rite, still continued to work. The Mother Lodge of the Scottish 
Philosophical Rite, the Chapter of Arras, and several other bodies 
were independent. 

Feb. 27th. The Grand Chapter General of France united with the 
Grand Orient. Dec. 18th. The Grand Lodge for the State of New 
Jersey formed. Sept. 25th. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Penn- 
sylvania closed sine die, and the Grand Lodge for the State of 
Pennsylvania organized. 

1787. May 1st. Abraham Jacobs initiated into the Ineffable degrees, 
Sublime Lodge, Charleston, South Carolina. The Grand Lodge of 
Ancient York Masons, for South Carolina formed. April 17th. The 
Grand Lodge of Maryland formed. The Grand Chapter of Herodim, 
and the Chapter of Rose Croix of Ramsay established in England. 

1788. Feb. 20th. The Grand Council Princes of Jerusalem was opened in 
the city of Charleston by three Inspectors, Myers, Spitzer, and 
Forst. The Grand Lodge of North Carolina formed. 

1789. Moses Cohen raised to " Knight of the Sun " by Moses Michael 
Hays, Philadelphia. The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire formed. 
The Grand Lodge of Connecticut formed. 



312 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

1790. Masonry in France in a languishing condition. 

* Moses Cohen goes to Kingston, Jamaica to renew the Sublime 
degrees. Abraham Forst also goes there. They there establish, a 
Consistory, the degrees having " died out." Abraham Jacobs removes 
from Charleston to Jamaica. He meets with Cohen and Forst there, 
■who promote him to '-Knight of the Sun." He returns in same year 
to Savannah, Georgia, bringing with him full powers from these " two,'^ 
to Enter, Pass, Raise, and Exalt, to the Sublime degrees. 
Pierre le Barbiere Plessis, made Deputy Inspector by Augustus 
Provost, in Philadelphia. 

1791. The Grand Lodge of France suspends its labors, and its members dis- 
perse. June 25th. The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island formed. 

1792. Abraham Jacobs^ who had arrived at Savannah from Jamaica, begins 
the work of conferring the Sublime degrees there. Commences in 
earnest at Augusta, Georgia. A Union of both Grand Lodges 
(Ancient and Modern,) in the State of Massachusetts, and a regular 
Grand Lodge for that State formed. 

1794. Jan. 12th. Moses Cohen granted a Patent to Hyman Isaac Long, 
as Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, and Deputy Inspector General. 
The Grand Lodge of Yermont formed. 

1795. A few Lodges began again to revive in France. 

April 2d. John Mitchell received his Patent from Barend M. 
Spitzer, as a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, and Deputy Inspec- 
tor General. 

Rose Croix Chapter (Triple Union) Right of Herodim, founded in 
New York city by a few French refugees from St. Domingo. 

1796. The " system of Fessler " was established. 

Nov. 12th, Hyman Isaac Long conferred the degree of Sublime 
Prince of the Royal Secret, and gave a Patent to Count Alexandre 
Francois August de Grasse Tilly, De La Hogue, Magnan, Saint Paul, 
Robin, Petit, and Marie. 

Abraham Jacobs confers the Sublime degrees upon Fifteen brethren, 
in Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia. 

The Grand Orient of France resumes its labors. At this date there 
are only Eighteen Lodges existing in France. On the 17th October 
the Grand Lodge resumes its labors. 

1797. Jan. 1 2th. The Subhme Council of Princes of the Royal Secret was 
established at Charleston, South Carolina. On the 26th May Jean 
Baptiste Aveiihe subscribes himself K.-. H.*. Deputy Inspector 
General. 

Louis Claude Henri Montmain, was conferring at Charleston, as a. 



1 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 313 

detached or side degree, the " Sovereign Commander of the Temple J^ 
De Grasse received it on the 21st December, 1798, two years after his 
liaving received the Sublime Prince of Royal Secret ; and being consti- 
tilted a Deputy Inspector General, and others received it ou the 3d of 
August, 1799, from the hands of Montmain. 

The Grand Lodge of the State of New York issues its Edict against 
Lodge L' Union Francais'^ as Spurious and Illegal, prohibiting all 
intercourse. Said Lodge was chartered by one of the ^Hvould-be^^ 
Inspectors in the face of the Grand Lodge. It afterwards gave up its 
pretensions, and united with the Grand Lodge. 

Achille Huet Lachelle, pretending to be Provincial Grand Master pf 
Chapter of Heredom of Kilwinning for America, chartered a Rose Croix 
Chapter, Rite of Heredom of Kilwinning, under the title of " Amis 
Choisis." Charter dated 1798. The Grand Chapter formed for the 
States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, 
Vermont, and New York. 

1799. May 21st. A union formed between the Grand Orient and the Grand 
Lodge of France. 

1800. The '• Rite of Schroeder " having but three Symbolic degrees, was 
established at Hamburg, or very soon after this date. The Grand 
Lodge for the State of Kentucky formed. 

1801. On the 24th May, Frederick Dalcho received the degree of Sublime 
Prince of the Royal Secret from the hands of John Mitchell. On the 
31st same month, the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree for 
the United States of America, was opened in Charleston by John 
Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho ; but who the persons were who made 
John Mitchell a Sovereign Grand Inspector General Thirty-third, 
or where he received, or found, that degree, is a question which has 
never yet been solved. 

Abraham Jacobs continues the work in Savannah, Georgia,- and 
is assisted by the Illustrious Emanuel De La Motta. 

1802. EmaDuel De La Motta made a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 
Thirty-third, and member of John Mitchell's Supreme Council in 
Charleston. The Count de Grasse elevated at the same time (Feb. 
21st,) is appointed Grand Commander for life in the French West 
India islands, and Representative for the Charleston Council there. 
Jean Baptiste Marie de la Hogue, also received the Thirty-third, was 
made a member of that Council, and appointed Lieut. Grand Com- 
mander under De Grasse. 

On the 4th December a warrant was granted by the Grand Council 
of Princes of Jerusalem, for the establishment of a Sublime Grand 
Lodge in Savannah, Georgia. This new Council issued its first docu- 
ment, (see Appendix, Document No. 7.) 



314 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Abraham Jacobs removed from Savannah to New York city, or 
early in 1803. 

1803. Germain Hacquet returns from St Domingo to France. He carries 
back with him the " Rite of Perfection " pure and unadulterated, and 
presented it as such to the Grand Orient of France. 

1804. Organization of a " General Grand Scottish Lodge of the Ancient and 

Accepted Rite " at Paris. October 2d, by Supreme Council Thirty- 
third. 

On the 22d September De Grasse Tilly founds a Supreme Council of 
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General Thirty-third degree, " Ancient and 
Accepted Scottish Rite." 

December 5th. A Concordat was signed between the Grand Orient 
and the Supreme Council of France. They were united into one body, 
the Scottish Grand Lodge having had an existence of forty-four 
days, and the Council fifty-four days. While in existence, they created 
great confusion among the Fraternity, a contest for the Supremacy 
having commenced between the Orient and the Council, which ter- 
minated partially when the Concordat was signed in December. The 
Scottish Grand Lodge was then dissolved, the Grand Orient control- 
ling the first Eighteen degrees, the Supreme Council the rest. 

September 23d. Abraham Jacobs begins his work of conferring 
degrees in New York. 

1805. September 24th. A rupture took place between the Grand Orient 
and Supreme Council. The bodies again became distinct and antago- 
nistic. The Grand Orient claimed the right to control the Ancient 
and Accepted Rite : " That the union of all the degrees, in one simple 
sphere of Masonic Light, of which it was the centre, gave it, the 
Grand Orient alone, the right to rule the Scottish rite concurrently 
with the French rite ; and, consequently, the sole right, to confer 
degrees, and grant Charters of Constitutions." The grand Orient 
granted a Charter of Constitution to " Sovereign Chapter Ecossais," 
Ancient and Accepted Rite. The Supreme Council was opposed to 
this proceeding, and at once established a Grand Consistory of 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, and on the 1st of October made 
a decree, &c. The Philosophical Scottish rite, the rite of Heredom, 
and in general, all the Masonic bodies, that had, by virtue of the Con- 
cordat, been united to the Grand Orient, resumed their independence. 
The Grand Orient, at once, created a " Grand Directory of Rites " to 
govern all the united Rites, and to be composed of as many sections as 
there were rites. This was done July 21st before the split took place. 
The controversy lasted between the two bodies until 1838, and was 
not completely adjusted until 1841, a period of from thirty-three to 
thirty-six years. Still, from 1805 up to 1814, the Grand Orient con- 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 315 

fined itself to the first Eighteen degrees, and sufiered the Supreme 
Council to administer the rest. 

The Supreme Council was established at Milan, and also the Grand 
Orient of Italy. The Grand Orient of the Military division of Italy, at 
Naples, united with the Grand Orient of Milan, June 22d. 

1806. The Rose Croix Chapter, " Triple Ainitie," founded by Joseph 
Cerneau, in New York. It became extinct in 1807, at which time 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory took its place. 
The " Primitive Rite " united with the Grand Orient. 
On the loth July, the Count de Grasse resigned as Grand Comman- 
der of the Supreme Couricil of France, in favor of Prince Cambaceres, 
who, also, accepted the Grand Mastership of all the bodies which had 
become severed from the Grand Orient, thus becoming "Chief" of 
all the systems practiced in France. He was Grand Commander of 
the Supreme Council of France, Honorary Grand Master of the Rite 
of Herodim of Kilwinning, sitting at Rouen, in 1807. Grand Master 
of the Primitive Rite in 1808. Grand Master of the Rite of Benefi- 
cent Knights of the Holy City, Rectified Regime, a title offered him 
by the Directory of Auvergne. Grand Master of the Regime of the 
Directory of Septimanee at Montpelier in 1809, and Honorary Grand 
Master of all the Masonic bodies that was of any importance. 

July 21st. Pierre le Barbier Plessis, created a Sovereign Grand In- 
spector General Thirty-third degree, and Deputy, residing at Philadel- 
phia, 

June 19th, John James Joseph Gourgas initiated an Entered Ap- 
prentice Mason in Lodge L'Union Francais. June 6th, The Grand 
Lodge formed for the State of Delaware. 

1807. The " Sovereign Grand Consistory of the Ancient Constitutional Scot- 
tish Rite of Heredom" was established at New York, for the United 
States of America, her Territories and Dependencies, in the month of 
October, by Joseph Cerneau. 

October 14th. John Gabriel Tardy initiated to the Sublime Prince 
of the Royal Secret, by Pierre le Barbiere Plessis, in Philadelphia, 
and appointed Deputy Inspector General by him. 

1808. July 12th. The Grand Orient of France affiliated with, and entered 
into correspondence with the Grand Orient of Italy. 

November 3d. Abraham Jacobs, having initiated " Nineteen * 
brethren,'' constituted them a Council of Princes of Jerusalem, and a 
Sublime Lodge of Perfection. They were afterwards taken in charge 
by Gourgas and Tardy. 

Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, '^ Triple Alliance," established by 
Sovereign Grand Consistory. 



316 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED 

1809. Od the 11th of June, the Supreme Council of France established the 
Supreme Council at Naples. 

In the month of March, the adherents of Gourgas established a Con- 
sistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, but it ceased its 
existence by the end of the year. 

In the month of November, John Gabriel Tardy, Deputy Inspector 
General, promoted Abraham Jacobs to K. H. and Prince of the Royal 
Secret. On the 24th inst.. Tardy issued his Patent, and Jacobs be- 
came a member of the Gourgas Consistory. 

1810. Feb. 15th. Application made to the Supreme Council of France by 
the Sovereign G'fand Consistory of the United States of America, for 
acknowledgment, &c. Joseph Cerneau founded the Council of Royal 
and Select Masters.,' 

1811. The Supreme Council of France established the Supreme Council of 
Spain at Madrid, July 4th. 

About this period the Sovereign Grand Consistory chartered Colum- 
bian Encampment of Knights Templar, New York city, reformed 
work. Jan. 8th. The Grand Lodge for the District of Columbia 
formed. 

1812. The Supreme Council of France acknowledges the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory at New York, and enters into correspondence with the 
same. Feb. 13th, 1813. The Supreme Council of the Thirty-third 
degree for America, founded at Paris by Masons who had received the 
Thirty-third degree in America. 

First Edict issued by the Sovereign Grand Consistory of the United 
States of America. July 11th. The Grand Lodge for the State of 
Louisiana formed. 

1813. Corespondence commenced with Supreme Council of France, under the 
title of Sovereign Grand Consistory of " the Trinity'^ New York. 

Emanuel De La Motta arrives in New York from Charleston, consti- 
tutes a Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree on his own 
responsibility, expels Joseph Cerneau, his abettors, and followers, 
publishes his acts in the papers, and returns to Charleston. 

January 23d. The Consistory for the State of Rhode Island founded; 
by the Sovereign Grand Consistory, also the Encampment of Knights 
Templar, Accepted or Reformed rite, located at Newport. 

June. The Consistory for the State of Louisiana founded in New 
Orleans by the Sovereign Grand Consistory. The Union of the two 
Grand Lodges in England (Ancients and Moderns.) They, when united, 
adopt the " Holy Royal Arch " as the fourth degree of Masonry. 
December. The Grand Lodge for the State of Tennessee formed. 

1814. June 24th. The Grand Orient of France decreed : " That by virtue 



SUPKEME COUNCIL-U. S. A. 317 

of a Concordat, made in 1773 with the Chapter of Clermont, in 1787 
with the General Grand Chapter, and in 1804 with the Scottish 
Grand Lodge, it re-took, or rather continued, hut in a more special 
manner, the exercise of the powers that appertained to it, over all 
THE Rites." The Supreme Council resisted this usurpation, and a 
quarrel was kept up until the 6th November, 1841, when each recog- 
nized the other, and both administered the rite concurrently. 

The infamous papers published by De La Motta made their appear- 
ance in New Yojk, during this year, viz., the expulsion of Joseph 
Cerneau, his abettors, &c. 

The Soverei^ Grand Consistory replied in Feb. 

De La Motta came out with his published " Replication " in Sept. 
He also published in the Philadelphia newspapers his Edict, expelling 
Cerneau, January 31st. 

The papers of De La Motta were without any effect, and were un- 
noticed by the Fraternity. 

The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, for the State of New 
York formed, being brought about mainly by the influence of the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory. 

1816. The Sovereign Grand Consistory of the United States of America, at 
New York, acknowledged by the Grand Orient of France, and Ger- 
main Hacquet, its President and Grand Commander, appointed as 
Representative near the Grand Orient, continued so until 1827, when 
the Consistory ceased. 

The " Rite of Misraim " founded at Paris. 

Brothers Eckles and Niles, of Baltimore, convey a Power to Brother 
Jeremy L. Cross, General Grand Lecturer of the United States, to 
found and establish Councils of Royal and Select Masters throughout 
the United States. 

The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters founded for the 
State of New York. 

The Consistory founded for the State of Pennsylvania, by Sovereign 
Grand Consistory. 

1817. January 15th. The Supreme Council Thirty-third for Belgium estab- 
lished at Brussels. A Union is effected between the two Grand 
Lodges of South Carolina. 

1818. The Annuary of the Supreme Council and Sovereign Grand Consistory, 
containing a full list of the Grand Dignitaries, Officers, Members Active 
and Honorary, Subordinate bodies, list of Inspectors and localities, 
Corresponding bodies, &c., was issued. 

The Supreme Council, erected by Dc La Motta as a rival to the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory, became extinct. The Grand Lodge for 
the State of Mississippi formed. 



318 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

1819. July 31st. The Grand Orient of France claims, '* That in 1804, some 
Masons who had returned from America, or fled from our Colonies, 
brought back to Paris ' the degrees" which the same Orient had sent 
thither in 1761, by the intervention of Stephen Morin ; and that those 
degrees had not left France, but the Grand Council, established 
in the bosom of the National Grand Lodge, after it the General 
Grand Chapter of France, and after 1787, the Metropolitan Sovereign 
Chapter of the Grand Orient of France, always possessed them." 

1821. The Supreme Council of France, which had been inactive since 1814, 
resumes its labors, and unites with the regiains of the " Supreme 
Council for America,'''' which had also been inactive. 

Joseph Cerneau withdraws from active duties as Grand Commander 
of the Supreme Council and Sovereign Grand Consistory, and 
takes the title of " Honorary." He is succeeded by Hon. John W. 
Mulligan as Grand Commander. 

The controversy at Charleston, South Carolina, between P. Javain 
Representative of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, and Joseph McCosh, 
concerning the Sublime degrees, was at its height. 

The Supreme Council of Charleston, which had been inactive since 
1813, now began to revive. ' It received a small addition to its num- 
bers, which before were ^'five" Grand Lodges were formed for the 
States of Alabama and Missouri. 

1822. Joseph McCosh issues his Pamphlet, entitled " Documents on Sublime 
Masonry," containing the expulsion of Joseph Cerneau, his abettors, 
and followers, the reply of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, the 
" Replication " by De La Motta, the controversy with P. Javain, and 
copious remarks, notes, and emendations, by Emanuel De La Motta ; 
also a copy of the Charleston document of 1802, in which the Schedule 
ot the degrees appears for the first time in a correct form, making 
" Kadosch " the 30th, and putting in the 29th and 31st according to 
the Statutes. 

The Charleston Council revives, and Joseph McCosh receives his 
degree of Sovereign Grand Inspector General Thirty-third, becomes a 
member, and fills the office of Secretary General. 

Brother Seth Driggs appointed Deputy Inspector General for the 
island of Trinidad, and establishes a Consistory at Port of Spain. 

The Lodge of Perfection at Albany, which had been dormant for 
many years, was revived by Giles Fonda Yates, and a Grand Council 
of Princes of Jerusalem established there ; also Lodges of Perfection 
in the Counties of Montgomery, Onondaga, Saratoga, and Monroe, 
under warrants of Constitution for said Council. 

The Sovereign Consistory issues an Edict denouncing the Charleston 
body. 



1 



SUPREME COUXCIL— U. S. A. 319 

1823. Hon. John W. Mulligan retires from the office of Sovereign Grand 
Commander, and is succeeded by the Hon. Dewitt Clinton. June. 
A split takes place in the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, 
two Grand Lodges are formed, viz., Citij and Country. 

1824. Xov. 16th. Giles Fonda Yates establishes in Albany a Grand Con- 
sistory, and is appointed S. of S. to the body. It becomes obedient to 
the Supreme Council of Charleston and J. J. J. Gourgas. 

The Marquis de Lafayette arrives in New York, and is exalted in 
Masonry. 

Nov. 22d. The Chapter of Rose Croix, under the title of " Lafay- 
ette," chartered. 

The degree of •'•' Aaroii's hand " conferred in New York by power 
from the Sovereign Grand Consistory, but soon became extinct. 

1825. Marquis de Lafayette made a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 
Thirty-third, by Sovereign Grand Consistory. Richard S. Spofford, M. 
D., created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General Thirty -third, and 
appointed as Deputy Inspector General for the State of Massachusetts. 
John P. Schisano appointed Deputy Inspector General for the State 
of Virginia, residing at Norfolk. 

Feb. 13th. Edward A. Raymond, and Eight Associates, residing in 
Boston, Mass., receive a Charter from the Council of Princes of Jeru- 
salem, at Albany, constituting them a Grand Council of Princes of 
Jerusalem ; also a Charter from the " Consistory " at Albany, consti- 
tuting them a Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret. 

Giles Fonda Yates created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General by 
the hands of Illustrious Brother Joseph McCosh. 

Abraham Jacobs initiated Thirty-five persons into all the Sublime 
degrees. 

Jacob De La Motta, the son of Emanuel, made a Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General Thirty-third, and becomes a member of the Supreme 
Council at Charleston ; also Alexander McDonald, Horatio G. Street, 
and Moses Holbrook. 

1826. Nov. 3d. David Jewett, Officer in Brazilian Navy, appointed Repre- 
sentative by the Sovereign Grand Consistory for the Brazilian Empire, 
with Patent and Consistorial powers. June 28th. Grand Lodge of 
Michigan formed. 

1827. The Anti-Masonic excitement commences, and all Masonic labors are 
suspended. Nov. 28th. The Sovereign Grand Consistory dissolves 
and is brought to an end. Elias Hicks was Deputy Grand Comman- 
der. Union of the two Grand Lodges in the State of New York. 

1828. Feb, Hon. Dewitt Clinton died at his residence in Albany. 



320 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

March. Elias Hicks becomes Grand Commander of the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory. 

The Supreme Council of Charleston, and J. J. J. Gourgas, under the 
title of " Supreme Council for America,'' is acknowledged by the 
Grand Orient of France, appear in the Annuary of the Grand Orient 
the next year. The Grand Lodge of the State of New York num- 
bered over five hundred working Lodges, which were in a state of 
great prosperity up to this time. But owing to the Morgan excite- 
ment, which commenced in the early part of the preceding year, four 
hundred and twenty-eight Lodges surrendered their Charters and pro- 
perties to the Grand Lodge, and came to an end. Seventy-two Lodges 
retained their Charters and refused to give them up. About one- 
third of these Lodges, which retained their Charters, were located in 
the city of New York, the remainder scattering throughout the State. 
Those in the city, and some in the country, managed to hold occasional 
meetings and to do some work, — at least sufficient to answer the con- 
stitutional requirements — while some few as St. John's No. 1, German 
Union, Mariners, Naval, and L'Union Francais — kept along and main- 
tained their organization perfectly. The same may be said of York, 
Mystic, Benevolent, Silentia, and Trinity, (then a German Lodge.) 
For a more particular account, see Appendix, Document No. 46. 
including a list of most of the Lodges in the city, and some in other 
parts of the State. 

1830. The Grand Lodge for the State of Florida formed. 

1832. " The United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere" Elias 
Hicks, M. P., Sovereign Grand Commander, is established a's the suc- 
cessor of the Sovereign Grand Consistory by Count St. Laurent. It 
was composed of the members of the Sovereign Grand Consistory. 
They adopt the prescriptions of 1786, proclaim a declaration of their 
principles, which are '' a perfect independence of the rite — and Tolera- 
tion." It was published in the month of April, together with a circu- 
lar, calling to it all the Masons of America of the Exalted degrees ; 
and it entered into a treaty of Union with the Supreme Council of 
France, Supreme Council of Brussels, (Belgium,) and the Grand Orient 
and Supreme Council of Brazil, dated April 5th, 1832. It was com- 
posed of sixteen articles. 

The Marquis de Lafayette was the Representative to the Supreme 
Council of France. 

1833. Concordat entered into between the Grand Lodge of Louisiana and 
the Grand Consistory of that State, by which the Consistory relin- 
quishes its rule over the Symbolic degrees, and the Grand Lodge 
establishes a Chamber in its bosom for the administration of the 
Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite. The Count St. Laurent returns 



1 



SUPEEME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 321 

to France, and becomes the Representative to the Supreme Council of 
France, for the United Supreme Council, in the place of Marquis de 
Lafayette, who died in May of the following year. 

1834. May 20th. Decease of the Marquis de Lafayette 

1836. The treaty of Union ratified with the Supreme Councils of France, 
Belgium, Brazil, and the United Supreme Council of the Western 
Hemisphere. 

1837. A split in the United Supreme Council. Formation of St. John's 
Grand Lodge. 

1838. Grand Lodge formed for the State of Texas. 

1839. The Supreme Council of Louisiana formed, and the Consistory of 1813 
becomes subject to it. It becomes a power for that State in the 
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. 

1840. Joseph Cerneau returns to France. Grand Lodge formed for the 
State of Illinois. Ancient Craft Masonry begins to revive in the 
State of New York and elsewhere. 

1842. Count St. Laurent continues to be the Representative of the United 
Supreme Council to the Supreme Council of France. 

1843. The Grand Orient of France acknowledges the Supreme Council of 
Louisiana, and again July 26th, 1845. 

1844. Albert G. Mackey and Albert Case made Sovereign Grand Inspectors 
General Thirty-third, and become members of the Supreme Council of 
Charleston. January 2d. Grand Lodge of Iowa formed April 16th. 
Death of Elias Hicks Sovereign Grand Commander. 

1846. Oct. 27th. United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere 
dissolved. Supreme Council formed by Henry C. Atwood, Sovereign 
Grand Inspector General Thirty-third, as successor to the United 
Supreme Council. July 24th. Henry Marsh died. 

Rupture in Louisiana on account of the proceedings of Grand Lodge 
of Mississippi. 

1848. The National Grand Lodge of France instituted by a portion of the 
members of the Supreme Council, is now extinct. 

June 1st. The Gourgas Council organized, and issues its maiden 
^ edict defining its position. 

1849. Split in the Grand Lodge of the State of New Tork. Two Grand 
Lodges known as the " Willard " and " Phillips " factions. 

1850. Convention of Masons in Louisiana. Scottish Masonry rejected. The 
Grand Lodge excludes the Scottish Chamber, and practices only 
Ancient Craft Masonry. 



322 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

The Supreme Council of Louisiana resumes its rule over the first 
three degrees. Union of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York 
(Willard,) with St. John's Grand Lodge. 

1851. The new Council of Gourgas was removed to Boston, Mass., from New 
York city. Gourgas resigned, and Giles Fonda Yates appointed 
Grand Commander. In September, Yates resigned, and Edward A. 
Eaymond becomes Grand Commander. 

A Sublime Grand Lodge of Perfection, and Grand Council of Princes 
of Jerusalem for Western and Eastern New York were chartered by 
the Supreme Council. 

The Supreme Council of New York re-organized under Brother 
Jeremy L. Cross. 

1852. Albert G. Mackey forms a Consistory in New Orleans. 

Brother Jeremy L. Cross resigns, the Council re-organized under H. 
C. Atwood, Grand Commander, and treaty of Alliance formed with 
Supreme Council of Louisiana. 

1853. James Foulhouze, F. Wharton Collins, John Baptiste Faget, J. J. 
E. Massicott, resign their ofiBces and membership in the Supreme 
Council of Louisiana. 

The Supreme Council of New York acknowledged by Supreme 
Grand Council of New Grenada. 

Grand Lodges formed in the States of Oregon and Minnesota. Split 
in the Grand Lodge, New York. St. John's Grand Lodge revived. 

1855. Concordat between the Supreme Council of Charleston and the New 
Orleans Consistories. 

1856. The Supreme Council of Louisiana revived by its old members. 

The Supreme Council of New York acknowledged by Supreme 
Council of Belgium. 

1857. Sept. 13th. Grand Lodge for the State of Nebraska formed. 

1858. The Supreme Council of Connecticut established. Edward W. 
Atwood Grand Commander. The Grand Orient of France acknow- 
ledges the Supreme Council of Charleston, South Carolina. Grand 
Lodge for the State of California formed. Union of the Willard and 
Phillips' Grand Lodge. m 

1860. Sept. Henry C, Atwood died. Edmund B. Hays succeeds him as 
Grand Commander. Supreme Council established in California, 

James C. L. Wadsworth Grand Commander. Split in the Gourgas 
Supreme Council at Boston, two Supreme Councils organized. 

1861. Edward A. Eaymond deposed by the Boston Council, andKilliao 



SUPREME COUNCIL— U. S. A. 323 

Van Eensselaer becomes Grand Commander. Mr. Eaymond estab- 
lishes a Council of his own, making two Councils in the city of Boston. 

1862, Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Eoyal Secret established in New 
Jersey, January 23d, located at Trenton, New Jersey. Jan. 17th. 
John W. Mulligan died. May. Illustrious Brother Henri Rilliet 
died. A Sovereign G-rand Consistory for the State of Massachusetts 
constituted in Boston by the Supreme Grand Council of the United 
States of America. 

Each of the Supreme Councils publish Edicts expelling each other — 
thus Eaymond and Robinson are expelled by Yan Eensselaer & Co. 
and Yan Eensselaer & Co. are expelled by Eaymond & Co. 



CHAPTER TWELFTH. 

CONCLUSION. 

The Author's opinions. — Explanation of Plate 2 and 3. — Eemarks concerning 
the accompaniments to the progress of the new degrees. — The evils growing 
out of them. — Their causes. — How they may be remedied. — Remarks addressed 
to the Fraternity. 

Having brought the history to a close, it is now proper to 
offer some remarks concerning many things therewith con- 
nected, partly in the way of recapitulation, and partly in the 
way of deductions, naturally growing out of it, which, had they 
been embodied in the history itself, might justly have been con- 
sidered out of place. And it is to be sincerely hoped that the 
reader will receive in good part the remarks that may be 
offered, especially when the author proffers to him the assur- 
ance that he is not actuated by any selfish or improper motive 
in tendering them for his acceptance. 

As far as he is able to say, the history is a faithful one. It 
assumes to give a statement of simple facts as they have oc- 
curred during the period of time which it embraces — those 
statements being fully corroborated by the documents con- 
tained in the work. And it has been his purpose to avoid all 
partizan feelings, however much there may seem to be any favor 
manifested toward any particular party. If he has failed 
in carrying out these feelings in the history, it has been the 
fault of the testimony of the " documents. ^^ Individually, he 
disclaims any partiality for either of the parties, having long 
since withdrawn his connection with the " High Degrees. ^^ 

His views upon the subject of Masonry do not accord with 
those which are generally received among the Fraternity, as it 
regards these high degrees. It has been with him a matter of 
long and patient examination, and he has come to the conclu- 
sion, that all that ever has been, or is now, known as pure 
Ancient Masonrv. is contained in three degrees, viz., the Entered 



CONCLUSION. 325 

Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason, with the 
Royal Arch instructions. This is the Alpha and the Omega 
of Masonry, the beginning and the end. And that all which 
we meet in this or any other land under the denomination of 
Masonry, whether it be in ten or one hundred degrees, and 
bearing the name of a " Rite,^^ w^hatever it may be, is nothing 
more than those three simple and beautiful degrees, dressed up 
to suit the fancy of the makers, and tricked out with jewels 
and decorations, in order to captivate the unthinking among 
the Fraternity. The rite, of which this work assumes to be a 
history, is an illustration of this assertion, and confirms it in 
every particular, inasmuch as there is not a single degree 
mentioned in the whole vocabulary, from the fourth to the 
thirty -third, which has not come into existence since the year 
1730 of the Christian era, besides several hundred others 
which have not been mentioned. These degrees are all founded 
upon the three simple degrees of Masonry. And thus in look- 
ing at the rite presented to our view, we see those three 
degrees dressed up in garments, a description of which is more 
proper in another place. 

We would offer a further illustration of this fact by a short 
explanation of Plate No. 2 and No. 3. 

It must be familiar to the mind of every well-informed Mason, 
that the year 1717 was an important epoch in the annals of 
Masonry, that being the year in which the first Grand Lodge 
known, came into being. From that body emanated warrants 
of constitution for subordinate Lodges, and without which, 
every Masonic assembly convened for the purpose of making 
Masons was deemed illegal. There were then but three degrees 
in Masonry, and from this centre the institution has overspread 
the habitable globe. 

The first foreign body chartered by this Grand Lodge was 
in the year 1725, viz., a Lodge of Master Masons for the city 
of Paris, France. By referring to Plate No. 2, the reader will 
find this Lodge delineated at the head of the Tableau, and can 
readily trace the progress of Masonry there down to the pre- 
sent day. Thus, by the year 1736, the number of Lodges had 
increased, and a Provincial Grand Lodge was formed by 



326 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

by charter from the Grand Lodge of England. In 1743, it 
assumes the name of the " English Grand Lodge,^^ but in 1756 
styles itself " the Grand Lodge of the Kingdom,^' having, by 
that time, become independent of any other power. In 1773 
a split occurred, the Grand Lodge continuing its course, and 
the separating portion of the body forming the " Grand Orient,'^ 
which worked as a rival to the Grand Lodge. This continued 
until 1799, when a union of these two bodies took place, after 
which time the united body was known as the " Grand Orient 
of FranceJ^ This body has controled the first three degrees 
of Masonry from 1736 down to the present time. 

We hear nothing in Masonry of " Rites " or " new degrees " 
until the year 1730. It was about this time that Eamsay, the 
Scotsman, invented three new degrees, which he called the 
Ecossais, the JYovice, and the Knight of the Temple. To dis- 
tinguish these degrees from the three then practiced, he gave 
them the name of the " Primitive Scottish RiteJ^ These new 
degrees were added to the first three by the Grand Lodge in 
1736. And here may be dated the beginning of all the addi- 
tions, improvements and innovations, which have since taken 
place in the great but simple system of Ancient Masonry, 
together with the birthplace of the word " Rite.^' 

The work of invention was now carried rapidly forward. 
The degrees of Kadosch and the Rose Croix were invented in 
1742, and from the handy work of Ramsay came the " Holy 
Royal Arch " about this time, which was imported from France 
to England, there adopted by the " Ancients^^ but rejected by 
the " ModernsJ^ In 1752 it was grafted upon the system of 
Ancient Masonry as the fourth degree, and from thence came 
to our own land. 

By the year 1752, at which time the invention of new degrees 
had been carried to a great length in France, we find a new 
system called the " Sovereign Chapter Sublime Scotch Mother 
Lodge, &c," practicing the three degrees with the new addi- 
tions, and continuing as a rival to the Grand Lodge. Lacorne 
was at the head of this affair, and as the Grand Lodge refused 
to recognize him, or those who were made under him, he estab- 
lished a Grand Lodge of his own, called the Lacorne Grand 



CONCLUSION. 327 

Lodge. It continued its operations about one year, when the 
difficulties being settled, it united with the Grand Lodge in 
1762, and the Sublime Scotch Mother Lodge united with the 
same soon after. 

In 1754: arose the '* Chapter of Clermont, ^^ which, in 1758 
became the " Chapter of the Emperors of the East and West,'^ 
comprising in its schedule a list of Twenty-five degrees. As 
this new system embraced the first three degrees and practiced 
them, it became a rival to the Grand Lodge — they quarrelled, 
and remained for twenty years at variance with each other. 
In 1762 the members of this new Chapter quarrelled among 
themselves. A split occurred, out of which came the " Council 
of Knights of the East^ These two bodies moved down 
together side by side. In 1780 the former body had assumed 
the name of Sovereign Grand Lodge of France, and in 1785 the 
two bodies united, forming the " General Grand Chapter of 
France.'^ This General Grand Chapter united with the Grand 
Orient in 1786. 

In 1747 the " Chapter of Arras,^^ or Ecossais Jacobite, was 
established, containing the degree of Rose Croix, with the 
other new degrees. This also continued down to 1780, when 
it took the name of " Rose Croix Chapter of Arras.''' In 1801 
it united with the Grand Orient. 

In 1780, the " Primitive Pate of JYarbonne,^^ beginning with 
the Entered Apprentice, and ending with the Rose Croix, took 
its rise, but finally united with the Grand Orient in 1806. 
The remainder of the " rites " there delineated, with others 
which are not mentioned, finally became extinct, or run out. 

While this Plate gives a view of these different embellish- 
ments of the first three degrees of Masonry, which, eventually, 
became the property of the Grand Orient of France, Plate No. 
3 gives a view of the embellishments of a particular rite, known 
as the '' Rite of Perfection " in twenty-five degrees, emanating 
from the Council of the Emperors of the East and West, and 
brought to this country by the hands of Morin and his succes- 
sors. This rite was built up by taking the first three degrees 
as a basis, and by dividing the third or Masters degree into 
several parts, out of which parts they have manufactured 



328 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

degrees, they have constructed them in such a manner that the 
third or Masters degree, extends to the Twelfth of their sys- 
tem, then by adding on Ramsay's Royal Arch, they form two 
more, reaching to the Fourteenth. The remaining degrees are 
mostly made up of matters connected with Chivalry and the 
Crusades — with the exception of the Fifteenth and Sixteenth? 
which are now synonymous with the first degree of the Tem- 
plar system of our own land. 

The Plate delineates these embellishments down to the year 
1801, beginning with Ramsay's additions in 1736 — then exhib- 
iting the rite as formed in 1758 in twenty-five degrees — then 
the result of the meeting of the Commissioners of Paris and 
Bordeaux, in adopting these twenty-five degrees — next the list 
of degrees as transmitted by Stephen Morin — finally arriving 
in Charleston in 1783 — after which our own countrymen 
renewed their manufacturing operations, and added five entire 
new degrees to the system, also dividing the Prince of the 
Royal Secret into three degrees — thus making the number 
thirty-three instead of twenty-five, to which they attach the 
name of the " Ancient and Accepted Rite.^^ (See Schedule of 
^^ degrees conferred by the Charleston Council in 1802.") This 
schedule is followed by the system of the Grand Orient of 
France, adopted in the year 1805, and concluded by an exhibit 
of the system practiced by the Consistory of Cerneau in 1807, 
derived from, and precisely the same as, the Grand Orient of 
France. 

This is the condition in which the first three degrees of 
Masonry are presented to us in the present day. And in order 
to make them the more enticing they have called them the 
" Sublime.^^ Attaching the name of " Symbolic " to the three 
degress of Ancient Masonry, they declare the Sublime degrees 
to be their exponents or interpreters — that without receiving 
these thirty new embellishments the Master Mason is yet in 
blindness, and knows nothing of the ceremonies through which 
he has passed. 

But — this is not true. The first three degrees are not 
" Symbolic degrees " in the sense in which they make use of 
that term — nor are the Sublime degrees their exponents or 



i 



CONCLUSION. 329 

interpreters. On the contrary. Ancient Masonry is the 
language of Symbolism, and this new system has no connection 
with it whatever. Throughout the whole of the rituals are to 
be seen, the fancies and wild vagaries of men, who have thus 
exemplified their ideas as it regards the meaningof the Symbols 
which they have witnessed, and the ceremonies through which 
they have passed. 

Let not the aspirant to these new degrees suppose that he 
will gain possession of anything that is really valuable in 
Masonry, or that this series of degrees offered for his accept- 
ance, will reveal to his view, antiquities or matters which he 
was not before acquainted with. If he thus believes, he will 
find, after he has taken them, that he has been greatly dis- 
appointed ; that all he really knows of Masonry is contained 
in the three degrees of Ancient Masonry, with the Royal Arch 
instructions — and that all the rest is a " Shamy He will find 
that all the reliable information he has gained will amount to 
this — that he has witnessed for himself that a very simple thing 
can be turned and twisted into a great variety of shapes and 
forms, but like the gutta percha faces, which can be pulled and 
squeezed, made long or short, round or square, to smile or 
frown, but in the end resume their original form, so do these 
newly invented affairs, stretched and twisted into every possi- 
ble shape by the handy work of the manipulator, return to 
what they originally were, when calm reflection takes its 
proper place. 

Viewing the history in its most favorable light, we are com- 
pelled to draw conclusions, which will by no means have a 
tendency to " raise the value " of this system of Masonry, in the 
estimation of the Fraternity. 

We have traced the degrees from their origin — followed 
them to St. Domingo — from thence to the United States — and 
have described their progress up to the present day. And 
what have been the accompaniments of this travel of One 
hundred and Thirty years ? From the time of the introduction 
of these new degrees into France, dating from 1730, about 
whicli period the Chevalier Ramsay introduced his system 
there, quarrels and dissensions began among the brotherhood. 



330 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

We have seen that there was at that time a regular Grand 
Lodge in existence — established there by charter from England, 
in the symbolic degrees, between which, and the followers of 
Ramsay's system, a quarrel arose, the Grand Lodge disowning 
them except as Apprentices and Fellow Crafts. In 1740 to 
1744, " Disorders of every kind invaded Masonry — charters 
became merchandise — new degrees swarmed like flies — Restau- 
rateurs bought Masterships for life — and everybody sold 
degrees." As we pass along, step by step, we find in our pro- 
gress, new degrees starting into being. The years 1752, 1754, 
1757, 1758, were noted for these new improvements. At that 
time the different " Masonic powers,'^ which were altogether 
assumed, came into collision, and one of them became a rival 
to the other. All this time the Grand Lodge worked the three 
symbolic degrees only, and had discarded everything else that 
was called Masonry ; while the Council of the Emperors of the 
East and West " Avorked the Twenty-five degrees of the Rite of 
Perfection, or Heredom, including the same Symbolic degrees, 
which were governed by a Scottish Symbolic Grand Lodge 
under that Council. Each publicly denounced the other, and 
soon the rival to the old Grand Lodge fell to pieces by inter- 
nal dissensions. It branched off itself into two bodies, which 
became rampant rivals to each other, and finally, after great 
discord and trouble, the whole were merged into the Grand 
Orient, by Concordat, in 1772. That body being weary of 
strife, and desirous of systematizing the work of the Lodges, 
revised the degrees, formed a system, and in 1786 reported 
four degrees as the standard, which became the " Modern 
French Rite,^^ is known as such all over the world, and is 
worked up to the present day, in the form in which it came 
from their hands. It embraces the substance of the Rite of 
Perfection up to the Eighteenth, or Rose Croix degree. (See 
Plate 3, 1786.) 

But as soon as this took place, dissensions began again, 
bodies again became independent and worked as rivals, and it 
was not until 1799, at the Union of the Grand Lodge of France 
with the Grand Orient — which before had united with the 



i 



CONCLUSION. 331 

Grand Chapter General of France, that Peace was restored to 
Masonry in that land. 

But this peace was not of long continuance ; for in the month 
of September, 1804, a new cause of vexation arose, in the ap- 
pearance of the person of the Count de Grasse, who established 
in Paris a new rite in Thirty-three degrees, under the title of 
" Ancient and Accepted," as a rival to the Grand Orient. 
That body, seeing the difficulties in prospect, and warned by 
the experience of the past, entered into a Concordat with the 
Supreme Council of De Grasse, in the month of December of 
the same year. By this measure they hoped to restore har- 
mony again, but in 1805 the two bodies had again separated, 
a fierce quarrel arose, and continued up to the year 1841, a 
period of Thirty or Thirty-five years. It was happily ended 
at this time, but has left behind it bitter mementos, and 
remembrances, which time alone can heal. 

If we follow the successors of Morin to this country, we 
shall discover the same accompaniments in their track. No 
sooner had they proclaimed the Supreme Council in Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, in 1801, than the Grand Lodge of that 
State, viewing them as a rival power, called upon them, re- 
questing to know by what authority they presumed to work ; 
and a severe contest would have ensued, had not the Supreme 
Council waived their right of control over the three Symbolic 
degrees. Although a quarrel was avoided in Charleston, yet 
the opportunity soon presented itself for a systematic and long- 
continued one in New York city, in the person of Joseph 
Cerneau, who had established a Sovereign Grand Consistory 
of the Rite of Perfection there in 1807, and a Supreme Coun- 
cil in 1811 — which was considered a rival, and, therefore, 
should be put out of the way. The quarrel was accordingly 
begun in the year 1813, by the notorious Emanuel De La 
Motta, it has continued with unabated malignity, is in lively 
exercise at the present day, and will probably be continued as 
long as the present organizations last. 

And if we pass to New Orleans, Louisiana, we shall find the 
same accompaniments there. The quarrel commenced there in 
1850, the particulars of which it is not necessary here to repeat. 



332 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

It is quite sufficient for us to say, that as in former instances, 
the trouble began in the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, which 
being adjusted, was commenced again by the same body, Avhich 
in the first instance, originated it ; that two rival bodies in the 
Ancient and Accepted rite now exist in that State, one of the 
rival bodies taking into its own hands the control of the three 
Symbolic degrees, Avhich act has re-produced the quarrel with 
the Grand Lodge, which continues now, and will continue, as 
long as that course is persisted in by the Supreme Council of 
New Orleans, Louisiana. 

There are, also. Three rival bodies existing in New York. 
This has long been the case, and all are laying the foundation 
for a long-continued controversy, by the establishment of sub- 
ordinate bodies, wherever the opportunity may occur. This 
must be the result, as long as these three bodies exist in their 
distinct form. 

This, then, is one of the phases which the propagation and 
practice of " new degrees^^^ under the name of Masonry, presents 
not only to the Masonic, but to the whole world. A con- 
tinued scene of quarrels and strife wherein every species of 
abuse and slander, have been resorted to, personal feelings 
have been disregarded, character injured, and bitter, long- 
enduring animosities engendered, which have torn asunder 
every fraternal tie, and given the appearance to the world of 
the Masonic institution, as a common hot-bed for hatred and 
dispute. 

The foundation, the very corner-stone of the institution is 
" Fraternal Love.^^ It is the cement which holds the building 
together, unites it into one common mass. This doctrine is 
emblazoned on the very portals of every Masonic temple, and 
trumpetted forth by every member of the Order, wherever he 
may be found. It is, therefore, not a lie, w^hen it is uttered 
here. And the very fact that Fraternal love is a stranger in 
these temples of the new degrees, should be a sign that Masonry 
is not there, and a " warning " to the passing traveller that a 
nuisance is near. Let him choose his habitation in some other 
place. 

Again. The whole proceedings of Stephen Morin and his 



CONCLUSION. 333 

successors, from the very beginning, have been illegal and 
unmasonic, according to what is now, and has always been, 
received and accepted among the Craft, as Masonic law. 

When the disorders which had crept into Masonry, culmin- 
ated in England, and it became common for Masons to open a 
Lodge at pleasure, wherever and whenever they met, the 
Masons of England, in order to put a stop to these irregulari- 
ties, formed a Grand Lodge in the year 1717. Preston gives 
a few particulars, which we shall here quote. He says, page 
304: 

" Previous to the year 1717, it was the custom, as well as Masonic law^ 
that a sufficient number of Masons, met together within a certain district, with 
the consent of the Sheriff", or Chief Magistrate of the place, were empowered 
at this time to make Masons, and to practice the rites of Masonry, without a 
warrant of Constitution. The privilege was inherent in themselves as 
individuals, &c." 

At this meeting for the formation of the Grand Lodge, the 
following law was passed : 

" That the privilege of assembling Masons, which hitherto had been unlimit- 
ed, should be vested in certain Lodges and Assemblies of Masons, convened ia 
certain places ; and that every Lodge to be hereafter convened, should be 
legally authorized to act by a warrant from the Grand Master for the time 
being, granted to certain individuals by Petition, with the consent and ap- 
probation of the Grand Lodge in Communication, and that without such 
warrant, no Lodge should be hereafter deemed regular or constitutional." 
(Page 167.) 

This was adopted as a Law, forever unalterable, it was the 
foundation, and became the fundamental law of the Fraternity. 
It was adopted in England, Scotland and Ireland, it was 
adopted in France in 1725, before which, Masonry in any of 
its forms, was entirely unknown — it was adopted in the United 
States in 1730, and has become the fundamental law of the 
Order, wherever that Order is known, over the face of the 
habitable globe. All this was done at a time when none but 
the three degrees of Masonry had a being. And under what- 
ever rite, bodies in Masonry may be working now in any land 
whatever, this is deemed a " sine qua non.'^ The body must 
regularly derive, and be able to exhibit the evidence of its 
legality, by a warrant of Constitution. Without such an 



334 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

instrument it is quite unnecessary to repeat the epithets 
bestowed upon persons guilty of this breach of covenant. 

Is it so in any case, with the Masonry, and the degrees, of 
which we have attempted to give a history ? It is true that 
Stephen Morinhad proper authority for conferring the degrees, 
but it was for a special object, viz., the establishment of a 
Lodge. And if he had followed up this course he would not 
have laid himself open to censure. This he did not do, but on 
the contrary, he kept the power delegated to him, and used it 
for his own private purposes. He conferred the degrees on 
Francken, Francken conferred them on Hays, Hays conferred 
them on Isaac Da Costa, Joseph Myers, Solomon Bush, and 
Barend M. Spitzer. Cohen conferred them on Hyman Isaac 
Long, and Long conferred them on De la Hogue and De 
Grasse. Thus John Mitchell, Frederick Dalcho, Emanuel De 
la Motta, Abraham Jacobs, J. J. J. Gourgas, and a large num- 
ber of persons, at various times, have received these degrees. 
Now, it will be recollected, that to all these persons, and 
many more, a " Patent " was given, signed by the persons con- 
ferring the degrees, and authorizing him to " go and do likewiseJ^ 
As each of these persons were appointed for a State — thus 
Francken for Jamaica and the British Leeward islands. Col. 
Provost for the Windward islands and the British army, Da 
Costa ior the State of South Carolina, Solomon Bush for the 
State of Pennsylvania, Hays for Massachusetts, Spitzer for 
Georgia, Forst for Virginia, and a large number of others ; 
these, in their turn, appointed others, and in the course of time, 
these persons had initiated many, to all of whom they had 
given like powers. 

Now, we do not find a single subordinate body established 
by Morin's successors, until Feb. 1788, at which period they 
pretended to establish a Grand Council of Princes of Jeru- 
salem at Charleston, and, subsequently, a Grand Council of 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret. A Lodge of Perfection 
was established by Francken at Albany, New York. The date 
of the seal is 1767, but this is no criterion to go by, as each 
Inspector has his own seal, bearing date at the time he received 
his, so-called commission. And as this is the date of Francken^s 



CONCLUSION, 335 

appointment at Kingston, Jamaica, we are inclined to think 
that, although this Lodge was established many years subse- 
quent to that period, yet it bore that date from Francken's 
seal. 

But none of these things amount to anything, so far as it 
concerns the conferring of degrees, as we find Abraham Jacobs 
in Savannah, Georgia, in 1796, and continuing until 1801, con- 
ferring the degrees, whenever and wherever, he could get the 
opportunity, in the face of the Charleston body and in the face 
of the Inspector appointed for that State ; we find De la Motta 
engaged in the same work ; we find Jacobs in the city of New 
York in 1804, pursuing the same business, which he continued 
up to 1840, in the face of all the bodies, even of the one in 
which he pretended to be a member, with numbers of others in 
different parts of the land, up to the present time. In fact, the 
most of those who have received the degrees previous to 1830, 
south of Mason and Dixon's line, have received them in this 
way, viz., from individuals, acting under what they term a 
" Patent J^ The Supreme Council of Charleston still retains in 
her Constitutions this individual power. (See Articles 20, 21, 
and 44.) John Barker, Cushman, and various other person- 
ages, and last of all, the Rev. Mr. Walker in Chicago, all of 
whom had this power, conferred the degrees on numerous per- 
sons and bodies of men. 

It is true there are bodies now working these degrees, which 
" derive,^' and may be considered legal, all of which is well. 
But, unfortunately, it is the case, that there are many still 
living who feel that they have a right, under their power, to 
confer these degrees, in the face of any legal body. Hence, 
when a dissension or trouble takes place in a Council, Con- 
sistory, or Chapter of this system, the common result of which, 
is either a withdrawal or an expulsion, the party separating 
goes on the same as before. He finds customers, confers -the 
degrees, establishes a body, becomes a rival to the body from 
which he has withdrawn, or has been cut off, each denounces 
the other to the world, and so the war begins. Such has been 
the case during the present year. Brother Raymond was 
deposed by the Supreme Council of Boston as Grand Comman- 



336 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

der. He claimed the power, inherent in himself, and at once 
initiated members, raised up a body by the side of the one he 
had been deposed from, as a rival, their mutual denunciations 
have already commenced, and where it will end no one yet 
knows. And this is not only the case now, but will continue 
to be the case, as long as these degrees, and this system, are 
countenanced by the Fraternity. 

Numerous instances of the kind have occurred, and are 
occurring every day. Take the proof of the truth of this 
statement from the exploit of De la Motta, in New York city, 
in 1813, in the face of the Supreme Grand Council then in 
existence and declared to be legal by the acknowledgment of 
the Supreme Council of France. Go to New Orleans, and 
witness the exploit of Dr. Albert G. Mackey, the Secretary 
General of the Supreme Council of Charleston, in constituting 
a Consistory in an upper chamber of that city, (New Orleans,) 
in the face of a Sup],xme Council there, which had been in exis- 
tence Thirteen years, was acknowledged by the Grand Orient 
of France, and was known the world over, as a legal power. 
Many other instances might be adduced, but this is enough to 
prove the truth of all that has been said concerning the 
illegality of the proceedings of all these bodies. 

These are some of the effects, growing out of the encourage- 
ment, and patronage, given by the brethren, to the " new or 
high degrees J^ We might say here, that the brother who pays 
his money for such commodities, gets but a poor return for his 
investment — that he who spends his time in making himself 
proficient in the science which this system teaches, learns 
something else than what his labors have entitled him to, and 
if perchance, in his mistaken view of the matter, he should feel 
himself called upon to speak in praise of such a system, his 
hearers can, with truth, point the finger at occurrences and 
scenes, like those narrated above, and remind him " that 
Truth is a sterling virtue, and above all price.'' 

Mgain. The unceasing strife in this country concerning 
what is called " Regularity,^' which has been the starting 
point of contention from the beginning, and continues so up to 
the present day. 



CONCLUSION. 337 

By referring to the history, it will be seen that the Charles- 
ton Council commenced operations in 1801, ostensibly by John 
Mitchell, who conferred upon himself the Thirty-third degree, 
and then conferred it upon Frederick Dalcho. Where John 
Mitchell procured the degree, how he came in possession of it, 
or who made it, no one pretends to know. Previous to this 
time, all the persons who were in possession of the Sublime, 
Philosophical and Ineffable degrees, had only reached the 
Twenty-fifth, John Mitchell with the rest, and all these had 
received them from each other, Stephen Morin being the head. 
To speak more properly, the whole number, including Stephen 
Morin, were possessed of the Rite of Perfection in Twenty- 
five degrees, and no more. So it is quite evident that none of 
these officiated in this process. On the contrary, all their 
Patents show, that John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho con- 
ferred the additional degrees on them. (See Patents, Appen- 
dix.) It proves itself to have been a self-constituted affair 
altogether. 

Joseph Cerneau established his Sovereign Grand Consistory, 
in New York city, in 1807. He pretended to no more then 
than the Rite of Perfection in Twenty-five degrees. Subse- 
quently, he established a Supreme Council, viz., in 1811. 
Cerneau also received his degrees from Stephen Morin, and he 
conferred those degrees upon all those who received them here, 
in order to establish his Consistory. So far they were both 
alike. They were both regular or irregular, just as the reader 
pleases to judge. They soon, however, became different from 
each other. Thus, Cerneau conferred the degrees for a 
specific object, viz., the establishment of the Consistory, and 
when his number was complete, and the body was constitution- 
ally full, he applied for, and obtained the recognition, and 
acknowledgment of the Supreme Council of France. This 
was in 1812, and so far as regularity is concerned, this made 
Mr. Cerneau's body regular. In 1816 the Grand Orient of 
France also acknowledged the Consistory, and Germain Rac- 
quet, President of the Grand Orient in the chamber of Rites, 
and Sovereign Grand Consistory, was the Representative 
there, and continued so during the existence of the Sovereign 



338 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Grand Consistory. In 1822 the acknowledgment was renewed. 
Now, as it regards regularity, according to Masonic law, 
Cerneau was regular. 

The Charleston Council, after having begun, died out, and 
did not revive again until 1821, when it began to look up, and 
by the year 1830, after the Consistory had 'ceased, from the 
causes which have been fully explained in the history, it ob- 
tained the acknowledgment of the Grand Orient of France. 
This made that body regular. 

But many changes have since occurred. The United Supreme 
Council for the V/estern Hemisphere, a continuation of the 
Cerneau Consistory, was established in 1832, and was in treaty 
of alliance with the Supreme Council of France, also of Bel- 
gium, also of Brazil, continuing until 1846. The Supreme 
Council of Louisiana was established in New Orleans in 1839, 
and was acknowledged by the Grand Orient of France in 1843. 
The Gourgas Council was also acknowledged in company 
with the Charleston Council, although it had been out of exist- 
ence at that time for Twelve years. Gourgas, however, was 
living, and he says he composed the Council. 

And what is now the existing state of things. Listen. We 
have a Supreme Grand Council in Charleston, South Carolina ; 
a Supreme Council of the Thirty-third in New Orleans, Loui- 
siana, and a Sovereign Grand Consistory, Thirty-second 
degree, same rite, under authorized Deputies from Charleston, 
which makes two rival bodies there ; a Supreme Council of the 
Thirty-third degree in New York, claiming to be a continuance 
of the United Supreme Council of the Western Hemisphere, 
also a Sovereign Grand Consistory, Thirty-second degree, 
Yan Rensselaer, and a Sovereign Grand Consistory, Thirty- 
second degree, Raymond body ; a Supreme Council of the 
Thirty-third degree, Connecticut ; two Supreme Councils in the 
city of Boston— the one a rival to the other— and a Sovereign 
Grand Consistory, Thirty-second degree, from the Supreme 
Council at New York, which will be a rival to both bodies. 

Who will not allow that the " new, ineffable^ sublime and philo- 
sophical " degrees, are in a fair way for notoriety ? And who 
can tell us ^^ which one^^^ or ^^ how many ^^ of these Sublime 



CONCLUSION. 339 

bodies are the real Simon Pure, in the general estimation and 
belief of the Fraternity ? We acknowledge it a puzzler. 

The Charleston body has occupied much of its time in de- 
nouncing the New York body, the Gourgas body uses every 
opportunity to do the same thing, the Boston bodies are fol- 
lowing in the same track, and pretty soon, if the work pro- 
gresses, there will be nothing heard of this system but 
billingsgate, the standing commodity in which they deal. But 
thus the strife goes on, and whoever may feel inclined to ven- 
ture in taking these degrees, will have to do so upon all the 
uncertainty which attend the proceedings of these bodies. No 
one of these bodies can be called fully regular, because there 
Sive portio7is of the Masonic world in which they are repudiated — 
neither can any one of these bodies be called irregular, because 
there are portions of the Masonic world in which they are 
recognized and acknowledged. 

Again. The arrogant assumption of power which this sys- 
tem authorises the " Dignitaries " of the Order to take upon 
themselves. 

Read over the list : Most Puissant and Thrice Illustrious 
Brother ; Sovereign Grand Inspector General ; Most Sublime 
Knight and Valiant Prince ; Thrice Equitable, &c. All these 
titles sound very well within the walls of a Lodge, or among 
the assemblies of the brethren. There these things are under- 
stood. But when any of these titles appear in the public prints, 
or are attached to documents which are circulated in the world, 
the effect is soon told. They may " make the vulgar stare^'' 
but with the sensible and right feeling Mason, or man of the 
world, their appearance will excite, only derision and con- 
tempt. 

And it would scarcely be imagined, that these high sounding 
titles, and empty names, so inflate the possessor, that he 
believes himself to be, in reality, the veritable article which 
the sound imports. He is a Sovereign, Thrice Illustrious, 
Most Puissant, Most Powerful, a Valiant Prince, Ineffable and 
Sublime, not only among his fellows, but in all the Masonic 
bodies to which he can gain admittance. 

Take the example of De la Motta, an obscure adventurer. 



340 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Read the documents which were issued over his signature. 
Observe the titles afifixed, and so often repeated. Consider the 
names and standing of the parties whom they most concerned. 
It is quite unnecessary to repeat all the particulars here. The 
documents are appended to the history, and the history con- 
tains the particulars in full. For arrogance, indecency, and 
downright falsehood, the publications of De la Motta stand 
unrivalled. Take the publications which were issued in New 
Orleans, together with the foreign documents attached. Take 
the Edicts of any, and of all the bodies existing under this 
regime — read them, and see what conclusions will force them- 
selves upon your mind. 

Observe the " airs " which these Dignitaries put on " when 
away from homey It is pleasant to know, that in the pro- 
gress of Masonry, these things seldom occur. The Frater- 
nity will not countenance them. But the day has been, and 
that not a long time since, when these Dignitaries assumed 
powers in Masonic bodies, which were not written in the laws. 
And the brethren were willing, in their simplicity, to give way 
to something which they were then ignorant of. But the light 
has shone among them. Masons have examined into these 
things, discussions have been had, books have been written, 
and out of all, knowledge has sprung forth. So that in the 
present day, laws have been enacted, forbidding the recogni- 
tion of any brother, out of the degree in which the body 
works, or the wearing of jewels or clothing in a lodge, which 
do not belong to the degrees (Blue Lodge). Therefore the 
Edicts, Commands, and Inspections, of these persons, are now 
not much regarded. 

These are some of the evils growing out of the practice of 
the new degrees — some of the results which are consequent 
upon the encouragement and patronage bestowed upon them 
by the Fraternity. It may not, therefore, be a useless task, to 
trace out the " causes " which lead to this encouragement and 
patronage. 

First. — Curiosity. 

The history has set forth the extent to which imposition 
upon the credulity of the public could be carried. Between 



CONCLUSION. 341 

the years 1750 and 1760, the people of France " became mad, 
and pressed forivard for new degrees.'''' A glance at the number 
of new rites instituted in those days, will present the proof, 
that the people were willing and anxious to receive them, or 
tliey never would have been manufactured, and offered at 
public sale. The established rule of trade holds good in 
re2:ard to the material of " Masonic deg-rees,^^ as well as all 
other matters of life, viz., " that the supply is governed by the 
demand." These systems have found their way into our own 
land. How the '' Rite of Perfection,^^ which afterward became 
the " Ancient and Accepted Rite," in Thirty-three degrees, 
came here, we have attempted to show. 

In 1815, the Masonic Monitors then in use, contained only a 
passing notice of what they then termed the ^^ Ineffable degrees,''^ 
extending up to the Fourteenth, and occupying, perhaps, eight 
pages. They were then treated as side degrees by the Frater- 
nity generally, and the opinion there given, was anything but 
complimentary. In 1825 they began to increase in size like 
the Symbolic degrees, until, at the present time, the rituals of 
the Thirty-three degrees, as issued officially by one of the 
Supreme Councils now forms, a quarto volume, of between five 
and six hundred pages, closely printed, in small type. The 
degrees have been " cooked over " so many different times, having 
had each time, all the additions, improvements, and new discov- 
eries, together with the " Science, Philosophy, and Metaphysics " 
added, according to the feelings and views of the operators, 
that they have attained to what may be called " a full growth." 
They are so voluminous that very few can be found who would 
take the trouble to read them ; and we are not far out of the 
way when we say, that very few could be found who would 
be willing to go through with them in practice, as they stand 
written. 

But there are other rites besides this one, among us at the 
present time. We have the " Rite of Memphis " in Ninety- 
five degrees, added to which is a new rite, called something 
like " Bruja" which makes the Schedule amount to the extra- 
ordinary number of One Hundred and Thirty-three degrees. 
The rite of Misraim is very similar, containing over One Hun- 



342 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

dred degrees, and it has been said, that it is the " Ancient and 
Accepted Rite " stretched out. 

One would suppose that the mere sight of these Schedules 
would so disgust the right-minded Mason, that he would turn 
away — that the gauze which covers the humbug was altogether 
too thin to hide the impudent pretension, the naked fraud. 
But experience proves the reverse. 

The brother who has been initiated and raised to the Masters 
degree, is left in a state of uncertainty. The very nature of 
the degrees, as at present constituted, produce this result. 
His curiosity has been awakened, and trifles are not apt to be 
an impediment to him in his forward journey. He asks for 
information from those who ought to know, and the replies 
which he receives, only make him the more earnest in his pur- 
suit. He asks for guidance, and is directed to some body of 
men with a high-sounding name, which is said to contain '' the 
ArcanaJ^ the very quintessence of Masonry in all its forms. 
He travels onward, at the sacrifice of time, money and feeling, 
until he has arrived at the top of the ladder wliich he has 
been so long ascending. Has he found that wliich he was in 
search of? And is he satisfied ? Or rather — is he not further 
off from the object which he sought, than he was at the com- 
mencement of his travels ? The appeal is made to every sensi- 
ble Mason who has travelled in this road. His curiosity may 
have been satisfied as far as this, viz., that he has obtained a 
slight knowledge of the subject matter contained in the degrees 
which he has received, and of what material they are composed ; 
but further than this, as it regards the knowledge he was in 
search of, it is unsatisfactory, and amounts to very little. 

Still, although nothing more has been attained than the 
satisfaction of his curiosity, there were some ^^ 'pretty things^' 
in the degrees, and some " important matters,''^ which he would 
like to know more about. Making known his wishes, there 
are plenty of pathways to be found which lead to the en- 
trances of the temples which he seeks. Again he begins to 
mount the new ladder, and although longer than the former 
ones, he is sure that he will know all when he has finished his 
journevs. And what are the results? Mystery — Mystery — 






CONCLUSION. 343 

made doubly so at every step, so that at the end it would be a 
matter of great difficulty to determine, whether he was the 
wiser or more silly man. The same thing is occurring here 
that occurred in Europe one hundred years ago, and is 
attended with the same results. 

Is the view which he now takes of the institution of Masonry, 
as a ichole, calculated to make him a better Mason ? Far from 
it. On the one hand, there are none so wise as he conceives 
himself to be, and discontented altogether witli, what he terms 
the " common place '' of the Symbolic or lower degrees, he 
aspires to higher things. Nothing will satisfy him now, but 
the erection of a body which he can call his own, and forth- 
with the work is entered upon. If they are disposed to shut 
out from the Lodge his vast and newly acquired wisdom, he 
will have a body under his own control, in which he can 
develop all he has received, even at the sacrifice of covenant 
obligations and Masonic law- and usage, and at it he goes. 
Hence the numerous bodies and the numerous rites. Or on 
the other hand, he has seen so much, and listened to so much, 
of that which is to be lightly esteemed, that he forsakes the 
Order entirely, having formed the conclusion in liis own mind, 
that it is not worthy of his attention. 

Second. — The " Teachings,^^ or Doctrines, Science, <fec. 

The applicant for these commodities is told, in order to urge 
him forward in his course : 

'- That a large portion of the history of Masonry during the first ages, is so 
mixed with fables, and deteriorated by the rust of ancient times, that no great 
light can be derived therefrom ; but in proportion as we approach the modern 
times, we find, to guide us, authentic archives. The way in which the first 
three grades, or Blue degrees are conferred, evidently proves that they are 
mere symbols or steps to the Superior or Sublime degrees. 

" Many of the Lectures of the Sublime degrees, contain an epitome of the 
Arts and Sciences, and several valuable and important facts recorded in the 
Historical divisions, which have been obtained from authentic Archives in the 
possession of our Society ; and which, from the manner of their communica- 
tion, can never be mutilated or corrupted, which is of the highest importance 
in a Society, the principles and management of which must be invariable. 

" Much irregularity has unfortunately crept into the Blue degrees, in conse- 
quence of the want of Masonic knowledge in many of those who preside over 
their meetings ; and it is particularly so with those who are unacquainted with 



344 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

the Hebrew language, in which all the Words and Pass Words are given. So 
essentially necessary is it for a man of Science to preside over a Lodge, that 
much injury may arise from the smallest deviation in the ceremony of Initia- 
tion or in the Lecture of Instruction. 

*' The various translations which have been made of the Symbolic degrees, 
as they passed from one tongue into another, through translators who were 
ignorant of their own language, have not a little contributed to produce the 
variations of which we complain. 

" But it has not been so with the Superior degrees. They show themselves 
clothed with the Sublime vestments which they received from their founders. 
Born amidst the labors of Science, and embellished by Genius, many of them 
are based on the Beautiful Arts, and spread out a mass of Light which is a 
cause of infinite interest for Masons, fyc. 

*' In 1552 a record came to light in Syrian characters, relating to the most 
remote antiquity ; and from which it would appear, that the world is many 
thousand years older than given by the Masonic account, &c." 

Here we have a few of the pretensions made by these bodies, 
but only a few, extracted from the Charleston document. (See 
Appendix, Document No. 7.) Here we are told that the first 
three degrees are mere symbols to the Superior degrees — that 
an epitome of the Arts and Sciences are contained there — that 
all " Blue Masons " are very ignorant, and must eonie from the 
Blue Lodge, which is in a very imperfect condition, to the 
Superior degrees, which were born amidst the labors of Science, 
embellished by Genius, based on the Beautifid Arts, and spread 
out a mass of Light ; and that the Bible account of the age of 
the world is a mere moonshine in comparison to their account 
of the matter. All this, and a great deal more, is preached up 
to the new Initiates, that they may be induced to complete 
their Masonic education in their " School^ 

Now, let us turn from this account given by the Charleston 
Council to the opinions of authors, who knew quite as much 
about the matter, all of them being possessors of the degrees 
in full. 

Clavel says : 

" That in 1743 the Masons of Lyons invented the ' Petit Elu,' which was 
afterwards known as the Kadosch, and out of which were developed several 
other Elu degrees. About the same time ' Philosophism ' composed several de- 
grees, and among others the ' Kmght of the Sun: The Jesuits composed the 
' Rose Croix: which the Philosophers took possession of, and gave its symbols 
an Astronomical interpretation. Soon after the ' Kaballa, Magic, Evocation of 



CONCLUSION. 345 

Spirits, DivinatioDj Alchemy, Hermeticism, Tlieosophy, and every sort of 
empty humbug were worked up into degrees, and taught in the Lodges. The 
ineflfable stupidity of most of the rituals was a perfect antidote to the loose- 
ness of their doctrines. Taking the rituals in the aggregate, the history of the 
human race does not present such a scene of shameless imposition, impudence, and 
folly, on the part of a few Charlatans, and of pitiable stupidity on the part of 
the many who were gulled.'''' 

Again : 

" The multitude of degrees whose rituals cannot be read without disgust, 
got grouped together in different ways and were systematized, and thence grew 
up these series of initiations into successive degrees, which are termed ' Rites,^ 
distinguished one from another by having different categories of degrees, and 
each category governed by a distinct body." — Olavel. 

Ragon thus speaks of the " Primitive Rite ;" 

" The fourth and last Chapter, called ' Chapter of the Brothers Rose Croix 
of the Grand Rosary.' It assiduously studies the specialities, Ontology, the 
Science of Existence, Psychology, Pneumatology, in a word, all the branches 
of those Sciences which are termed Occult or Secret, as Alchemy, Hermeticism, 
Magic, &c." 

Thory — Acta Latamorum, says : 

" There were Eighteen different degrees of Apprentice, Nineteen of Fellow 
Craft, Sixty-fo*ur of Master Mason, Thirty-six of the Elus, Sixty-eight of the 
Ecossais, Tvrelve of the Rose Croix, Twenty-seven of the Philosophic degrees, 
and Six of the Kadosch, these Eight degrees alone furnishing Two Hundred 
and forty-nine Rituals. 

*' In all there have been probably some Six Hundred to Eight Hundred 
degrees, and variations of degrees in practice." 

These accounts of the Ineffable and Sublime degrees do not 
agree with the Charleston document, nor lead one to suppose 
that " they were born amidst the labors of Science^ embellished 
by Genius, or based on the Beautiful Arts, &c." But to pro- 
ceed. 

These are the degrees which are brought to this country 
under different names and forms, which it is quite unnecessary 
to particularize. But great stress is laid upon the " Ancient 
and Accepted Rite,'' as one made up of Thirty-three degrees, 
taken or selected from this pile, and made into a new rite. It 
would be supposed that out of this immense stock some good 
might be searched out and retained. But what do we find ? 
Simply this, viz., the ''Rite of Perfection " in its original form 



346 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

up to the Eighteenth or Rose Croix degree, and the remaining 
seven degrees stretched apart, and the vacancies thus made, 
filled in by degrees, taken at random, having no connection 
whatever with the rite, and the Thirty-third manufactured to 
suit. Would the reader know what the value of this system is, 
or the nature of its teachings ? Let him turn to the criticism 
in the history, page 51 and 52. 
Des Etanges says : 

" That the rituals are an incoherent medly of all sorts of practices and 
ceremonies^ taken from the old religions of India, of Egypt, from Jewish and 
Christian books, &c., &c." 

Vassal gives a long account of the whole degrees, fully con- 
curring with the above author. 

But the strenuous advocates of the sublimity of the " Ancient 
and Accepted Rite " pretend that they have the Ancient rituals, 
which are pure. They pretend that they dijffer from all that 
are in existence, and give them the most exalted character. 
Let us examine this. Their rituals came from Stephen Morin, 
in Twenty-five degrees. So far, we know what they are, for 
we are in possession of the same. Then the Seven other de- 
grees. Those we know, having legitimately received them. 
We have the rituals. Then the Thirty-third and last degree. 
That also we have taken, and know all about it. Further, all 
these rituals correspond exactly with the published manual 
before mentioned, except the "Sciences, Philosophy, <fec.'' 

Now, what are the teachings of these said degrees. One of 
their own active members shall tell the story. 

This writer, in speaking of his opponent, a brother of tlie 
Thirty-third, says : 

" He claims for himself the title of a 'Philosopher,' and we hear constantly 
of the ' Philosophy of his Rite.' We scarcely think that any of the great 
Masters of Philosophy and 'I'hought, would admit that the word was properly 
applied to the shallow commonplaces of his analysis of the degrees. 'I'o judge 
from all that he has published, one who should receive the degrees from him, 
would never go forth from his temples a proficient in Metaphysics, Aesthetics, 
or Dialectics, or even with anything but a stock of immorality. In Philoso- 
phy, as in knowledge of history, he is a mere, empty, shallow pretender, &c. 

" And when this individual tells the world that his rite in Masonry, the 



CONCLUSION, 347 

Scottish rite, at first vamped up by Vassal, and afterwards re-hashed, &c., 
means to enfranchise man, and conquer for him his rights, means physically, 
morally and intellectually, to advance the individual, and politically, religious- 
ly and socially, emancipate the peoples, the world simply laughs in the Charla- 
tan's face, and asks him if he imagines that the part of Cagliostro can be 
enacted at this day, and especially by him, and if he imagines it can be gulled 
by pompous pretensions, long ago put forth by other men like him, to gull the 
simple, and delude those who cannot see a trap when it lies in their broad 
view, set, and open before their eyes, • It is an institution eminently ' Pkiloso- 
phical ' too. 0, sacred word Philosophy — how art thou abused ! Whose 
Philosophy does it teach ? The Sensualistic, the Idealistic, Scholastic, Tran- 
scendental, Eclectic, or Positive ? Does it swear by Liebnitz or Spinosa, 
Descartes, Mallebranche, Condorcet, Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Cousin, or Comte ? 
What does it teach as to the nature and essence of Deity, the mysteries of Crea- 
tion, the existence of matter, the nature of the soul, all the great questions 
that have agitated the human mind for centuries and centuries, and built up all 
the successive schools of Philosophy ? The answer is — None — and nothing 
in particular ! It sticks together some flashy sounding words — makes specious, 
tawdry, and hollow sentences, and presents us with a mixture, composed of a 
little dash of Piety, some commonplace Ethics, a profusion of spangled and 
painted sentimentality, and some shallow thoughts, that only skim along 
the surface of Philosophy and Metaphysics ; and this is called Philosophy, 
and with it he is going to enfranchise mankind. It is a sort of Pinchbeck 
Voltairism galvanized by Jesuitism." 

The reason of giving this quotation, is simply to show what 
opinion is entertained of the teachings of the degrees by those 
persons who have received them, and are at the present time 
active in administering them. The brother concerning whom 
the above was written, received all his degrees in France. The 
Thirty-third degree from the Grant Orient, and is now the 
Sovereign Grand Commander of a Supreme Council. The 
brother who wrote the above received his degrees from him, 
and was an active member of bis Council. A difference 
occurred, tliey separated, and the writer became a member of 
the Charleston Council, and Deputy in New Orleans. This 
letter is one of the products of the controversy. As it regards 
the one Council or the other, it makes no difference — the 
rituals are all alike. The above remarks will apply to them all, 
composed as they are, of a little Judaism, a great deal of the 
science of the Gnostics, and the doctrines of the Manicheans, a 
little of the Eastern Philosophy, so called, a few startling mis- 



348 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

representations of Christian doctrine, and a sprinkle of Blas- 
phemy all the way through, held together by a parcel of fables, 
too silly to be repeated. But this writer further says : 

•' It is true that the object of the Scottish rite is to effect the physical, 
moral, and intellectual improvement of the initiates. A very few only of its 
degrees, as originally framed, conduct to that end in any marked degree. It 
is an ^agglomeration,^ not a systematic succession of degrees. It teaches 
Industry, and the excellence of labor, the moral virtues, and the great Cardinal 
truths on which all religions are founded. Its intellectual teachings are to be 
found in its Words and Symbols, and not in its formal instruction. They 
are conveyed by * obscure hints,' " &c. 

Now, if this be the case, why do we see so many differ- 
ent expositions of these Words and Symbols in the form of 
Rituals. According to this explanation, that which Chemin 
Dupontes says concerning the matter, is correct. He states, 
that each Scotch rite degree was a ''frame " which each could 
fill up as he thought proper. This may possibly account for 
the length to which all these rituals have attained. There is 
truly, very little matter in any, or all the old rituals. Biit in 
those which we now have, which come from the Charleston 
Council, and which are printed in full, it is an amazing sight. 
But be the rituals long or short, 

Who, that has ever taken the degrees, can be persuaded, 
that Science is taught, or Philosophy cultivated, in a Lodge of 
the High Degrees of Masonry ? 

Third. — the increased Liter est or Benefit they expect to derive. 

Many of the brethren are carried away with the idea, that if 
there is any benefit attached to the possession of the first three 
degrees of Masonry, that benefit must be greatly enhanced by 
being a member of the Thirty-third degree. The high sound- 
ing titles attached to the degrees, the number and variety of 
Jewels they can wear, and the decorations with which they 
can adorn themselves, all seem to turn them aside from the 
true object and design of Masonry. They forget the univer- 
sality of the first three degrees, and the very limited knowledge 
in the world, of anything beyond. And that the recognition 
of the High degrees are quite limited. Scotland, the country 
from which the mountebanks profess that they originated, does 



CONCLUSION. 349 

not recognize them at all. Until within a very few years, say 
1830, England and Ireland denounced them, and in many parts 
of the globe they are not even known by name. While Ancient 
Craft Masonry is known and recognized in almost every por- 
tion of the habitable globe. France, the mother of the High 
degrees, is the land where they are mostly practiced, but even*' 
there. Masonry in its first degrees, is far better known, and 
more warmly cherished than the High degrees. 

Having noticed some of the evils growing out of the encour- 
agement and patronage bestowed by the Fraternity upon the 
High degrees, and the causes which produce them, we will 
now inquire into the means of obviating them. 

The Degrees of High Masonry are already founded and 
established in this land, but unfortunately, as at present organ- 
ized, are antagonistic to what we term, Ancient Craft Masonry. 
And this must necessarily be the case, as long as the two sys- 
tems exist in this form. One way of obviating the difficulty 
has many times been suggested, but with very little probability 
that the suggestion will ever be acceded to by the Craft. It is 
simply this, viz., To make the E-ites independent of each otlier 
— Toleration being the basis. The creation of a Grand East, 
like the G-rand Orient of France, where all the Rites shall be 
equally represented, where they shall govern themselves as 
they understand it, and independently of each other, or, to 
have a Grand East for the York rite, one for the Scottish rite, 
each having control over all the degrees of the rite which it 
practices, but the brethren acknowledging each other, whether 
in the Symbolic or other degrees, thus allowing every man to 
pursue the course he deems the best, as it relates to the forms 
of the degrees which he receives, and living together as 
brethren of a common family. This plan has been adopted in 
other countries to the benefit of the Order, but it is very 
doubtful whether it will ever be adopted here. Every effort 
towards this end which has hitherto been made, has not only 
resulted in a signal failure, but has had the effect of strength- 
ening the prejudices of the brethren in favor of Ancient Craft 
Masonry, and widening the breach. 

This mode then, under the existing state of feeling among 



350 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

the brethren, cannot be effected. And perhaps, all things con- 
sidered, it is best that it should not. Were it effected, it 
would cause a cessation of hostility, and peaceful principles 
would prevail. But at the same time, it would be opening the 
door for the introduction of many other rites called Masonic, 
with which we are not now troubled, and by giving them the 
sanction of a Grand East, Toleration, &c., so engraft them 
upon what we term pure Ancient Masonry, that they would 
become part and parcel of the same, thus causing Masonry to 
lose its peculiar characteristics, and become a mixture, the 
nature and qualities of which it would be impossible to know. 

Another mode, and by far the best, is to have nothing what- 
ever to do with the Higher degrees. It is not necessary to 
recapitulate the reasons for advising this course ; they are given 
in this chapter, and in every part of the history. But the 
principal, and main reason, we have not yet given. It is this, 
viz., We advise, that brethren of the Lodges have nothing to 
do with the higher degrees, because they are not Masonry — 
have no connection with it, and have nothing whatever to do 
with it. The origin of the degrees, the material out of which 
they have been manufactured* their progress and accompani- 
ments, have been already noticed fully. They are simply 
modern trash, without a single feature or quality in them,, 
which would recommend them to the favorable consideration 
of worthy and sensible brethren. This is the opinion which 
we entertain now, and have entertained for long years, con- 
cerning these degrees. And it has been often and fully 
expressed. To prove its correctness will not be undertaken 
here. This is not the proper place. 

While, on the other hand, we believe, that what is commonly 
known as " Ancient Craft Masonry, ^^ contained in the lirst 
three degrees, with the appendage of what is now known as 
the " Royal Arch degree,^^ which was originally a portion of 
the third degree, contains all that is known of Masonry, and 
with it there is no more. And that every addition, improve- 
ment, decoration, or interpolation, to this beautiful and simple 
system of instruction, is of evil tendency, and will bring the 
Order into disrepute. Of course, this will be taken for what 



CONCLUSION. 351 

it is worth, Tiz., the opinion of the author. Nevertheless, he 
may be permitted to say, that he has given the subject some 
attention during a period of Thirty-nine years, in which time 
he has had the opportunity of examining it in all its parts. 
The reader may not agree with him, and he cannot feel hurt at 
this difference, still he would ask the favor of being heard, 
concerning the reasons why he has arrived at these conclusions, 
so different from those which have generally been expected by 
the Fraternity. 

Ancient Masonry is a beautiful and complete system of 
instruction within itself, beginning with the First, and ending 
with the Third degree, based upon the subjects of '* Life, Time, 
Death, and Immortality," and embracing the duties which Man 
owes, and is bound to render, to God, to his Neighbour, and to 
himself. 

It is of very great Antiquity — is Universal — and has been 
remarkably preserved. 

It is a most remarkable fact concerning Ancient Masonry 
that, wherever it is known throughout the world, in all its 
essential particulars, it is one and the same. Whether we 
travel among the Indians in the deep forests of our own land, 
or among the mountains of South America, in the land of the 
Mahommedan or the Turk, or in the East Indies, where our 
present traditions are unknown, in all portions of the habit- 
able globe, the " Landmarks '' are the same. And the lonely 
and forsaken brother hnds friends and helpers, where, under 
other circumstances, he would have perished by the way. True 
they have their own language, and their own symbols ; but 
according to their own rude manners, they inculcate the same 
great truths, and observe, with greater care, those bonds 
which cause them to listen to the cry of the poor and the 
needy, than the Masons of civilized lands. 

If we begin with the day in wliich we live, and trace the in- 
stitution down through all preceding time, as far as we can 
discover any footprints of its existence, it proves itself to be 
one, and the same. And is it not wonderful that such an insti- 
tution, notwithstanding the great and varied changes which it 
has undergone, the great opposition it has met with, and the 



352 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

severe persecutions it has suffered, has outlived every human 
structure. 

The other fraternities of the ancient world have perished 
with the nations that gave them birth. Their histories are 
rapidly passing into oblivion. Pure and Ancient Masonry- 
can boast no attractions greater than those of other societies, 
which have passed away and are forgotten. The imposing 
character of her external appearance has been far exceeded by 
that of some other institutions. The outward pomp and 
splendor of celebration which leads captive the sense of the 
beholder, could not preserve the mysteries of Ancient Glreece, 
and they are long since extinct. While on the other hand, 
the darkness, ignorance, and superstition which covered those 
portions of the world where Masonry found a hiding-place, 
and kept alive the lire upon her altars, could never extinguish 
or even diminish in brightness, that pure flame. And although 
in the present day, we find the institution bedecked in finery, 
and lumbered up with false and foolish traditions, and silly 
tales, which would usurp the place of the real and the true, and 
thus crowd out from the mind all that is of value, yet even this 
has not supplanted her : she still lives, and will live on, when 
these things are forgotten and have passed away. 

Equally fruitless would it be to ascribe the cause of its per- 
petuity to its being a Secret Society. Other societies have 
possessed secrets, and have kept them, and the Societies and 
their secrets have perished together. Neither can it be attrib- 
uted to Religious causes. This is disclaimed, and the glory 
and the beauty of Masonry is, that rejecting all Sects, and all 
Religions, she receives all within her pale who acknowledge, 
and believe, in the existence of one true and ever-living God. 
Throughout the whole course of its travels. Masonry has never 
assumed to be a " Teacher of Religion^' among those where her 
lot was cast. For she sought Seclusion instead of Publicity, 
and only those who were so happy as to be received within her 
portal, were at all acquainted with the doctrines which she 
taught. 

Nor will the form of Civil Government under which Lodges 
have been holden, the languages and customs of the different 



CONCLUSION. 353 

nations, or the laws enacted for, or against the Craft. Masonry, 
in all ages, and in all countries in the civilized world, has been 
equally unaffected by the storms of war and persecution, and 
by the calm of peace, by laws made for its preservation, and 
for its suppression, by the most unrelenting despotism, and by 
the wildest licentiousness. 

It becomes an interesting question then — " How has it hap- 
pened that of all the Ancient Societies, Masonry has alone 
survived — and that, even of this institution, nothing now 
remains but in name, except the great characteristics of 
its Religion? Traditions, Histories, Emblems, Ceremonies, 
Usages, and Explanations we have, in all the abundance and 
variety we can ask for. But pure Masonry stands unnoticed, 
uncared for, and alone. Like the remains of some vast edifice 
of unknown sacredness, which has been beaten by the storm of 
ages unnumbered, its general outline, and its great proportions 
remain, while its lighter finishings are no longer to be discov- 
ered. The Pedestal and the Column still exist, but ruthless 
time has destroyed the characteristic ornaments of the entab- 
lature. It is still recognized and admired as a venerable 
specimen of Architecture, but the particular order is unknown. 

Ancient Masonry^ pure in its Symbolism, and easy of inter- 
pretation, has suffered, in many respects, like the Mysteries of 
old. It is a symbolical institution, from the beginning to the 
end. It has not now, nor ever has had, anything to do with 
material mortar, or material stone, nothing to do with the 
wages of bodily labor, or with the labor itself. It has nothing 
to do with the upraising of material buildings, whether in the 
ages past, the present, or the future. And so she declares for 
herself, at the very vestibule of her temple. This is patent 
in all the published handbooks of the Order, as well as in all 
the rituals of her practice. Whatever tool of the Mechanic is 
made use of, is declared to be, not for a material, but for a 
symbolic purpose. The Apron, the Gavel, the Twenty-four 
inch guage, the Plumb, Level, and Square, the Trowell, the 
Compass, &c., are all declared to be for other uses than those 
of mechanical labor. The Rough Ashlar, the Polished stone, 
the Trestle board, containing: the rules for the work, and the 



354 SCOTTISH RITE, FREE AND ACCEPTED. 

Lights, by which its designs are read and studied, all speak a 
language foreign to the labor of mans' hands, or the travels of 
his feet ; they point to a better destiny than the changing' 
and uncertain scenes of time, and proclaim the erection of a 
Spiritual Temple, of which the laborer himself will form a 
component part. These symbols form and constitute her 
very existence, and distinguish her character. They have 
been handed down to us through the generations of men, from 
the very beginning ; they lay before us now, nearly in all the" 
simplicity, purity and perfection, which they had when they 
came from the wise men of old, and they teach doctrines of the 
most imposing and momentous kind, simple, and self-evident in 
themselves. 

" Alas ! " we may well say, while we behold these very 
degrees, as now conferred » They have become so deformed 
by the labors of others, that it is now almost an impossibility 
to find these doctrines and their interpretation. The blame 
rests mainly with the Lecturers, Improvers, Innovators, and 
Inventors, as well as the propagators of new rites. And it 
is only by stripping them of the " additions, ^^ and false embel- 
lishments, of their " Science,^' falsely so called, and their 
" Philosophy '' equally as false, and above all, from the " gross 
materialism''^ with which they are covered over, and then 
studying them in their nakedness, that we can discover their 
beauty, and bring it forth to the Light, 

As a system of Instruction, it is beautiful and complete. 

It commences with the beginning of all things. It points 
out to us the surface of this globe on which we live, as the 
dimensions of the Lodge, and the field for the beneficent 
labors of the brethren. Its covering is the heavens, and this 
canopy is supported by Almighty power. The Lights given to 
this glorious and stupendous edifice, are the Sun, the Moon, 
and the Stars, and by the medium of these shining orbs, kept 
in their places, and directed by Omnipotence, man is enabled 
to pursue his labors. 

That the Master is Eternal, the Immortal, the Invisible— the 
only wise God, whose dwelling is on high— that we are hig 
creatures, dwellers upon the earth, children of the dust, that 



CONCLUSION". 355 

although there is an apparent separation, God being in the 
heavens, and we creatures of Earth, yet by means of the ladder 
which Jacob saw in his visions of the night, we may hope to 
ascend into the immediate presence of the Master like the 
Angels of the Most High. 

That we are descendants of a common parent, are the same 
in all respects, as it regards our fallen state, that the stamp of 
depravity in one shape or the other, appears impressed upon 
the general conduct. Pride, Ambition, Tyranny, Persecution, 
Revenge, Malice, Envy, Falsehood, Deceit, Covetousness, 
Anger, and other malignant passions, infect all ranks and con- 
ditions of men, the higher equally with the lower, though 
among the former it is sometimes varnished over by a fair 
exterior. 

That all ranks come to the same termination. They at last 
take up their dwelling in the house appointed for all the living. 

That the Soul, or the thinking principle in man, dies not, 
but is immortal, and will live on, through the countless ages of 
Eternity. 

That there will be a Resurrection of the body from the grave, 
and the Soul, which formerly had its dwelling place there, but 
was separated by Death, will be re-unitcd to the body, and 
thus, the re-united being will live forever. 

The symbolism of the first degree is " Youth^^ the vestibule 
of human life, where the scenes through which we pass, assume 
a golden aspect, where all is peaceful, and not a ripple is dis- 
covered on the surface of the tide, which is wafting the Spirit 
onward to Immortality. And what period more proper than, 
early life to learn the truths which are contained in the degree. 
It is the first round of the Ladder which reaches from Earth to 
Heaven. It is the Youth, or the beginning of instruction. It 
is being bound as an Apprentice to the Master on high, to 
serve his appointed time. It is the introduction of the ''first 
principles of Truth.^^ They are presented for his acceptance, 
and must be received by Faith. Hence the name of the degree. 
Apprentice, Youth, Faith. 

The symbolism of the second degree is " Manhood,'^ of which 
it is indicative, and alludes to the second round, or second 



356 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

step, hence it is named " Hopey The period of youth has 
passed away, and it is presumed that the time has been dili- 
gently spent, in examining the designs and instructions of the 
Master, in using the symbol of power, in asking for needed aid 
from on high, in working during the time of labor, and repos- 
ing during the allotted time of rest, in meditating upon the 
works of the Master, and returning thanks for blessings 
received. With the performance of these duties, the time has 
passed on, manhood has taken the place of the former period, 
and the results of the labor performed are now to be inspected 
and tried. Here the question is settled by unerring tests, how 
far the work of the vestibule or court of the temple has pro- 
gressed. These tests are termed the " Jewels of Manhood '' — 
the jewels of the degree. And that his work should be more 
perfectly adorned, he was directed to the study of the liberal 
Arts and Sciences, by means of which he could add to the per- 
fection of the beauty of the work he was engaged in, remem- 
bering the lessons of Youth — that Time flies — that Death 
approaches, and what was to be done, must be accomplished in 
the allotted time. 

He has passed from the Vestibule to the Sanctuary — he has 
passed the first round of the Mystic Ladder in his upward 
course, and his feet are firmly fixed on the second round, bear- 
ing his work with him. He looks again — the rough edges 
have been removed, the stone presents a polished surface, it is 
beautifully adorned, and Hope lights up his countenance with 
Joy. The Plumb, Level, and Square, are in his hand — with 
these he frequently inspects the result of his labor, and if at 
any time he becomes pleased at the sight, and the result of his 
work, as earthly workmen are often apt to be, yet, when the 
reflection comes to his mind, that " the Master seeth not as 
man seeth," he stands abashed, and in deep humility waits 
his allotted time, until the Master shall appear, and call him 
into his presence, that his work may be tried. 

This is, indeed, the second round of the Mystic ladder — it is 
Hope springing out of Faith, it is Manhood springing out of 
Youth — it is the Fellow Crafts degree. 

The symbolism of the Third degree is Old Jige, the ending 



CONCLUSION. 357 

period of human life, and it is termed, '^Charity.'" It is the 
Third round of the Mystic Ladder, which reaches to the skies, 
the upper round of which is not discernable, being hidden by 
the clouds. 

His feet are on the second round, and he is urged forward 
in his ascent. He rises, and nerves himself to the task. Can 
it be amazement or affright, which holds him motionless and 
still ? What object meets his view ? The door has opened, 
and through the dimness of the light he discovers the dark 
portal through which he is to pass. Is it strange that his 
reflections cause him to hesitate — to stand still — to draw back 
as it were from the darkness which envelopes that solitary and 
lonely pathway ? The silver cord will soon be loosed, the 
golden bowl be broken, the pitcher be broken at the fountain, 
the wheel broken at the cistern, the dust return to the earth, 
as it was, and the spirit unto God who gave it. 

But Hope springs up as he looks back upon the past. He 
remembers the discovery of his darkness, his poverty, his 
nakedness and want, he remembers the hand that guided him 
in his hour of sorrow, through dangerous paths, until he came 
forth into the light, he remembers the instructions given, and 
the labour applied ; and as he beholds the work wrought, and 
compares it with the description laid down in the Trestle 
board, his fear vanishes, and Love takes its place — Love for 
the light which has beamed in upon his mind — Love for the 
preserving care that has brought him thus far on his journey, 
and Love, that the same hand will bring him safely through. 
He takes courage and proceeds. 

A little time there yet remains before he passes the last 
round of that mystic ladder. With his trowel in his hand, he 
walks around the Temple which he is laboring to build. It is 
a temple sacred to the name of God. He has learned that 
Fraternal love is the cement which binds the building in one 
common mass, that if this is wanting, the whole becomes a 
heap of rubbish, and of no worth. That he must labor dili- 
gently in spreading this cement. 

The Emblem of Industry, the Pot of Incense, the Anchor and 



358 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Ark, and other symbols remind him of his duties, and encourage 
him to Hope. 

But the allotted time has come, and the Master's voice is 
heard. The lesson he receives will never be forgotten — it is 
the illustration of the last symbols of the degree, and proclaims 
those eternal truths in all their simplicity and sternness, which 
have been before mentioned, and of which the institution may 
be justly proud, that man was created in the imago of God, 
but fell from his high estate and has become a child of dust, 
that although deformed and fallen, he can be restored to his 
pristine state — that Time is on the wing, and rapidly passes 
away — that Death is the common lot — that the body will rise 
again — that in view of these solemn and momentous truths, 
we should diligently employ ourselves in the work we have to 
do. 

These are the teachings of the first three degrees of Ancieut 
Masonry, which contain all that Masonry contains. There is, 
there can be, no more. They reach from the ^^ beginning to the 
end,^^ and contain all that is embraced in man and his existence 
from the cradle to the grave. 

In thus giving them, we do not feel that we are trenching 
upon the mysteries, or exposing any of the secrets of Masonry. 
They may be read in every Masonic Monitor which is published 
in the land, .and all the symbols spoken of, may also be seen, 
with appropriate explanations, corresponding with all we have 
written here. As a matter of course, the ceremonial, ritual, 
and instructions can only be learned within the walls of a just 
and legally constituted Lodge. 

Perhaps it may be objected to by the reader, on the ground, 
that he does not so understand the illustrations of these degrees, 
as given by the author. And this is by no means strange. 
The reason will be obvious after a moment's reflection. A 
few hints will set the matter right. 

The Emblems, Ceremonial, Ritual, and Instructions of the 
three degrees of Ancient Masonry were once, very simple, and 
very short. Their practice occupied but a very short time. 
This was the case even in 1717 of our own Era. The same 
fate which has overtaken the Sublime degrees has overtaken 



CONCLUSION. 359 

Ancient Masonry. By the year 1775 they had become quite 
extended, and in 1800 they underwent a mighty change. And 
ever since that time, Improvers, Interpolators, Inventors, and 
Lecturers, have occupied themselves diligently, in adding to, 
and increasing the beauty and simplicity of the ritual, cere- 
monies, &c., until now it has become so monstrous and verbose, 
that it takes from two to three hours to confer a single degree. 
The very evil has crept upon us, which others by experience 
have avoided. The Grand Orient of France, finding the 
Eighteen degrees of Perfection too long, tedious, and full of 
repetitions, revised them. The result of their labors was just 
what would have been expected, viz., embracing all that was 
of any importance- in fifteen of the degrees, in the small space 
of four short degrees, and greatly pruning out the first three 
degrees, so that the service in them is confined to a very short 
space of time, except in the Initiartory degree. This is now 
known all over the world as the " Modern French riteJ^ The 
same work should be done with our own degrees. This 
" lengthening out " by repetition and re-repetition, to three 
hours time that which could be done in one hour, very easily 
and satisfactorily, has become a very general cause of complaint 
among the Fraternity. (See example in Appendix, Document 
No. 45.) It is driving them away from the Lodges, and doing 
more for the Higher degrees than any other thing. If the plan 
was adopted, of cutting down the ritual, as now practiced, to 
its primitive purity and shape, thereby making it perfectly 
comprehensive and simple, and giving one-half, and perhaps 
two-thirds of the evening, spent in a meeting of the Lodge, to 
the reading of essays upon important subjects connected with 
the institution, the delivery of addresses upon matters con- 
nected with the symbols, the proper dispensing of its charities, 
the illustration of morals, and other matters of interest, as an- 
tiquities, information from abroad, correspondence, &c., the 
character of our Loijges would be at once renovated, the meet- 
ings would not only be well attended but full of interest, and 
what is more than all, it would be time usefully spent, and 
would afford subject matter for reflection, unaccompanied with 
vain regrets. 



360 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

If this course were pursued, we should hear less about the 
High degrees, the Ancient and Accepted E,ite, the Egyptian 
Rite — less about the Philosophy there taught — less about the 
Science of the Gnostics, the doctrines of the Manicheans, the 
Philosophy of the East, the Astronomical interpretation of the 
Emblems, the Kabballa, and the occult sciences, less about 
improving and adding to ceremonials, the more beautiful be- 
cause of their simplicity, afnd have less to complain of in the 
way of an empty treasury in the Lodge, want of interest in the 
proceedings of the Fraternity, and poor attendance at the 
stated meetings of the Craft. 

But the writer has very little hope that this desirable refor- 
mation will be speedily brought about. The inquiry for some- 
thing new, is, at the present time, quite as pressing and urgent 
as it has ever been, the love of Novelty is just as strong. So 
long as the minds of the bi-ethren are thus affected, these de- 
mands will be satisfied by the furnishing of new rites, systems, 
degrees, and improvements, until the appetite is sated. The 
Ancient and Accepted Rite has begun in this quarter, again 
to lift its head, and as the increase of interest is felt, the 
degrees are becoming enlarged, the decorations beautified, the 
Jewels re-modelled and improved, the titles swelled out, the 
badges of distinction increased in number, and the Offices, 
numerous as they are under the system, are made more so, in 
order to satisfy the aspirations of the Neophytes in this new 
order of things. We do not care to inquire where it will end ; 
but we know it cannot last, simply because the system contains 
within itself, the elements of its own destruction. It will fall 
by its own weight. 

There is, however, much amid the confusion which is cause 
for gratulation. The institution which we venerate, still re- 
mains. It has stood the shock of time and circumstances, and 
comes to us hoary with age, yet in simplicity. However much 
it may be lumbered up, and hidden from the sight by the " rub- 
bish " which covers it, the form, the symbols, and the structure 
are still perfect. These they cannot take away. There stand 
the Pillars, and the outer Court, there the Rough Ashlar and 
the Polished Stone, the Mosaic pavement and the Star — there 



CONCLUSION. 361 

the Sanctuary and the symbol of the Deity, the steps to ascend 
to it, and the passage way to guide — there the Sanctum Sanc- 
torum veiled in darkness, yet with sufficient light to discover 
the mementoes therein contained, and there they will continue to 
stand until time shall have an end. And although to many they 
may speak in an unknown tongue, yet to the thinking Mason 
they are not voiceless, or strange in speech. They utter the 
same language now that they have uttered through unnum- 
bered ages, and which needs no garnishing by Fables, Tradi- 
tions, Stories, and Deceptions — no additions from Philosophy, 
Science, or the Wisdom of the World, to explain their speech. 
They tell us that life begins, and passes on, and ends, that 
there is a work to be done, evil to be shunned, a reward to be 
obtained, a Temple to be erected, which shall continue, when 
these scenes through which we are journeying, shall have 
passed away, and admonish us to diligence, and watchfulness, 
that we may find the Master's approbation. 

Let us gather then, around this sacred structure. Let our 
dwellings be near this sanctuary of Peace, that we may the 
oftener frequent the place, where these teachings may be heard. 
And while we cling with fondness to this beautiful and simple 
system of Symbols, from which we hope to derive benefit for 
ourselves, let us not become unmindful of a lesson which they 
give, viz., " That he who shutteth his ears against the cries of 
the poor and the needy, shall cry himself and not be heard." 



n 



1 



APPENDIX. 



DOCUMENTS, & 



ran 



DOCUMENT No. 1 



NOMENCLATURE OF DEGREES 



OF THE 



RITE OF PERFECTION. 



1. Entered Apprentice. 16. 

2. Fellow Craft. 17. 

3. Master Mason. 18. 

4. Secret Master. 19. 
6. Perfect Master. 20. 

6. Intimate Secretary. 21. 

7. Intendant of the Buildings. 

8. Provost and Judge. 22. 

9. Elect of Nine. 23. 

10. Elect of Fifteen. 

11. 111. Elect, Chief of the 12 Tribes.24. 

12. Grand Master Architect. 

13. Ptoyal Arch, 25. 

1 4. Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime 

Mason. 

15. Knight of the East or Sword. 



Prince of Jerusalem, 

Knight of the East and West. 

Knight Rose Gross. 

Grand Pontiff. 

Grand Patriarch. 

Grand Master of the Key of 
Masonry. 

Prince of Libanus. 

Sov. Pr. Adept, Chief of the 
Grand Consistory. 

111. Knt. CommV White and 
Black Eagle. 

Most 111. Sov. Pr. of Masonry, 
Grand Knight Sublime, Com- 
mander of the Royal Secret, 



The above are the degrees known as the Rite of Perfection, instituted 
at Paris in 1758 and practiced by the late Council of the Emperors of 
the East and West. They Were agreed upon September 22d, 1762, hs 
bein^ those of the ..loctrine of the Council of the Emperors of the East 



4 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

and West by the Commissioners of said Council, and by those of the 
Princes of the Royal Secret at Bordeaux, and granted to Stephen 
Morin. 

Thory, 1 Acta. Lat., p. C8 ; Leveque, Aper9u, p. 54, says : In 1754 
the Chevalier de Bonneville established a Chapter of the high degrees 
at Paris, styled the " Chapter of ClermontP In it the Templar system 
was revived, and the Baron de Hund received the high degrees there, 
and thence derived the principles and doctrines of his order of " Strict 
Observance.''^ 

Eagon, Orthodox, Mac., p. 127 says: The regime of the Chapter of 

Clermont at first comprised only three degrees, i. e., three besides the 

^ symbolic, viz. : Knights of the Eagle, or Master Elect, Illustrious Knight 

or Templar, and Illustrious Sublime Knight, but t\at they soon. became 

more numerous, 

Levique^ Aper9u, p. 56 says: That in 1758, certain Masons styhng 
themselves Sovereign Princes and Grand Officers of the Grand and 
Sovereign Lodge of St. John of Jerusalem, founded at Paris a Chapter of 
Emperors of the East and West, in which they conferred on such Masons 
as were fond of many degrees, as many as Twenty-Five. 

Thory, 1 Acta. Lat., p. 74, says : During the year 1758 was established 
at Paris, a Chapter styled, " Chapter of the Emperors of the East and 
West. Its members entitled themselves " Sovereign Prince Masons, 
General Deputies, Substitutes Generaux" of the Royal Art," "Grand 
Wardens and Officers of the Grand and Sovereign Lodge of St. John of 
Jerusalem." Their degrees of instruction were composed of Twenty-five 
Grades. 

Vidal Fezandie, Essai Historique sur la Franc, Ma9. p. 145 says : 
Three years after, i. e., in 1754, profiting by the disorders occasioned by 
a dangerous and lamentable anarchy, the rite of the "Noachites" was 
introduced into the Capital, and the next year the Chapter of the 
Emperors of the East and West, which gratified the mania for degrees 
by the perspective of its Twenty-five degrees. 

Ragon, Orthodox Ma9., p. 48 says : After stating the establishment of 
that Chapter in 1758, and giving the title assumed by its members as 
Thory gives them — "a crowd pressed forward to obtain the Twenty-five 
degrees of which the pretended instruction of the new regime was com- 
posed." And p. 149, after speaking of the Templar system started at 
Lyons, the Chapter of Arras, and the Chapter of Clermont he adds : 
'* then comes the Council of the Emperor of the East and West, Sovereign 
Princes Masons, with its Twenty-five degrees eagerly sought after bj 



DOCUMENTS. 5 

Master Masons." And he adds that the century will hardly have 
elapsed before Eight more degrees will be added to these Twenty-five, 
extending the nomenclature to Thirty-three. At p. 129 he states; 
"Their degrees of instruction were composed of Twenty-five grades, 
under the title of Heredom, divided into Seven Classes, the doctrine 
whereof had for its basis the Templar system. The Council waa divided 
into Colleges in which these classes were conferred." 

Clavel Hist. Pit., p. 167, says: Four years later, in 1758, there was 
formed from the debris of the Chapter of Clermont, a new body, which 
styled itself " Council of the Emperors of the East and West." lis 
degrees of instruction consisted of Twenty-five Grades and was* the 
Templar system. 

Ragon^ Orthodox Ma9., 17 1 ; Thory, 1 Acta. Lat, state : In 1750 
this Council established a Council of Princes of the Royal Secret at 
Bordeaux. 



APPEMDAGE TO DOCUMENT NO. 1. 



The authors who think diflferently upon the assertion that " the Grand 
Orient of Paris is heir or successor of all the Ancient Scottish bodies and 
powers," and thus has the right, solely to administer them, thus speak : 

" The Grand Orient, it is true, claimed to be the heir and successor of 
the difierent bodies that had previous to 1804, administered the different 
rites of Scottish Masonry in France, but that was a claim which she was 
never able to establish." — Lamarre, p. 42. 

" It is enough for us to repeat, that the Grand Lodge, which was 
replaced by the Grand Orient, never knew any other than the first three 
symbolic degrees, and that its only jurisdiction was over the Blue or 
Adonhiramite Masonry. So that it was not possible that the higher 
degrees, and consequently the bodies that practiced them, could be 
under its control." — Vidal Fezandie. 

" It is a great mistake to assert that the Grand Orient and Grand 
Lodge of France ever practiced Scottish Masonry. The Grand Lodge 
never recognized any other degrees thnn the three symbolic ones : ns its 
continual quarrels with the Chapter of the High degrees prove. — B^giie 
Clavel. 

"The circular of the Grand Orient, July 31st, 1819, admitted that in 
1773, the Grand Ov'iani suspended the w(Mkiii»r of the High degrees, <fec. 
In 1786, it expressly rpjfcted all above the 18tl]. — Ckemin Dupontes, 



6 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

It would seem by this last extract that the Grand Orient did work the 
High degrees hefore 1773, else it could not have suspended ivorking them 
at that date, that it again worked them up to 1786, when she rejected 
all above the ISth. — Author. 

"So matters stood until 1804. The Scottish Directories, which by 
the treaty of 1776, with the Grand Orient, had the exclusive working 
and administration of the " Reformed Rite^'' still continued to work. 
The Mother Lodge of the Philosophic Scottish Rite, the Chapter at 
Arras, and several other bodies were also independent. — Lamarre. 

"In 1805, the Grand Orient claimed that the union of all the degrees 
in one simple sphere of Masonic light, of which it was the centre, gave 
«7, the Grand Orient alone, the right to rule the Scottish rite, concur- 
rently with the French rite : and consequently the sole ri(/hi, to confer 
degrees and grant Charters of Constitution. They were transferred to a 
" Director!/ of Bites " within the body. This caused a separation with 
the Supreme Council." — Bouhe^. 

" The Philosophical Scottish Rite, the Rite of Heredom, and in 
general all the Masonic bodies that had, by virtue of the Concordat, been 
united to the grand Orient, equally resumed their independence, &c.— 
ClaveL 

"The Rite of Heredom or Kilwinning, the Mother Lodge of the 
Philosophic Rite, the Primitive Rite, the Rite of Beneficent Knights of 
the Holy City, Regime of the Directory of Septimanie at Montpelher. 
were all independent.— ^f'swcAe^ and Mehold. 

It is unnecessary to make any more quotations on this particiilai 
point. One thing is certain, viz.. That most of the Rites practiced in 
France, were united by treaty, at some time or other, with the Grand 
Orient, and Supreme Council, both bodies thus becoming possessors of 
the various rites, and that although these bodies may all have again 
separated, become independent, and worked the degrees, yet in sepa- 
rating they did not wrest from possession of the body with which 
they had united the knowledge and governing power over the rit« 
which was once put in their hands. 

So far as the Rite of Perfection is concerned, this is the case, and so far 
as the Ancient and Accepted Rite, this is the case, viz.^ the Grand Orient 
has them in possession and controls them. The same may be said of the 
Supreme Council 



DOCUMENTS. 



330CXT3VEE;r»a-T Pffo. a. 



As a proof that the Union of the Council of the Emperors of the East 
and West, with the Grand Lodge of France are now lost to most of the 
Masons, we deem proper to give here a copy of the document concerning 
said Treaty. 

^0. 1. Extract from the records of the Sovereign Council of Emperors 
of the East and West, Sublime Scotch Mother Lodge : 

In the year 1772, on the 25th day of the moon, Ab., on the 26th 
day of the 5th month of the Masonic year 5*772, and of the birth of the 
Messiah, the 26th day of July, 1772, the Sov. Scotch Mother Lodge, in 
General Assembly regularly convened and presided over by the Most 
Illustrious Administrator General of French Masonry. 

After having heard the Grand Orator, the Supreme Council, Sublime 
Scotch Mother Lodge, commissions the worshipful Brothers Gaillard, 
Gr.'. Orator Labady, Secretary General, Baron Toussaint and Dela- 
lande, to renew at the next General Assembly of the Most Worshipful 
Grand Lodge of France, the proposition which the Sovereign Council of 
the Emperors of the East and West, Sublime Scotch Mother Lodge, has 
caused to be addressed to it on the 2d October 1770, to unite the two 
bodies into one single body, in which are to be dejyosited all the Masonic 
knowledge and the legislative poioer over every degree, authorizes the 
above named brethren to accept in its name the said Union, and pro- 
claims them, from this time forward, and without any further powers, 
its commissaries for the purpose of working, with those to be appointed 
by the Worshipful Grand Lodge, at the rectification of the Regula- 
tions, and at the framing up of such as they may deem necessary to the 
Government of the two united bodies, and to the general and particular 
administration of Masonry, which shall be in force after having been 
approved in a General Assembly of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge 
and of the Sovereign Council ; and decrees consequently that the 
acceptation thereof by its commissaries, subsequent to the deliberation 
of the Grand Lodge shall stand as good as if it had been made in 
General Assembly. 

A true extract, &c., this 8th Sept., 1773. 

Signed, Manu propria, Labady» 



SCOTTISH ErrE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



No. 2. — In the year 5772, on the 9th day of the 6th month, the Most 
Worshipful Grand Lodge of France, regularly convened in General 
Assembly at the request of the Most Illustrious Administrator of 
Masonry in France, the Worshipful Brother Puiseux holding the Gavel at 
the East, and at the West the Worshipful Brother Le Lorrain and L' Ex- 
combart, the Worshipful Brethren Gail lard, Labady, Baron de Touissant 
and Delalande, Deputies of the Supreme Council of the Emperors of the 
East and West, Sublime Scotch Mother Lodge, the Worshipful Brother 
Gaillard being allowed to speak, they said that they proposed to the 
Worshipful Gro.nd Lodge to unite itself with the Supreme Council in 
one single hody^ in order to join together the legislative power and the 
Masonic knowledge. 

The Worshipful Brethren, after having stated the motives which 
rendered this Union necessary, have delivered a copy, in due form, the 
decasion taken by the Supreme Council on the 26th July, 1772, of the 
Christian Era. 

The matter being placed in form before the body, and the Worshipful 
Brother Bruneteau Grand Orator of the Worshipful Grand Lodge having 
been heard, it was unanimously decreed, that the Sovereign Council of 
the Emperors of the East and West, Subhme Scotch Mother Lodge 
should be united, and was from this time forward, united to the Most 
Worshipful Grand Lodge in one single body, in order to join together all 
Masonic knowledge and the legislative power, over all the degrees of 
Masonry under the title of " Sovereign and Most Worshipful Grand 
Lodge of France I'"' She therefore selects and appoints Brother Bruneteau 
her Grand Orator, d' Aubertin her Grand Secretary, General Lacau and 
Lucas de Boulainvillers her Commissaries, in order to work with those 
of the Supreme Council, in pursuance of the desire and deliberation of 
July 26th, 1772, a copy of which in due form has been deposited in, and 
is to be annexed to the archives of the Most Worshipped Grand 
Lodge. 

A reading of the above deliberation being made, the Worshipful 
Brethren Gaillard, Labady, Baron de Touissaint and Delalande have, in 
the name of the Supreme Council, accepted its union with the Most 
Worshipful Grand Lodge, and this was sanctioned accordingly. 

A true extract from the Kecords of the Most Worshipful Grand 
Lodge, and compared with the original by order of the Worshipful 
Brethren Commissaries Sept. 8th, 1772. 

Signed, Manu propria, D' Aubertin 



DOCUMENTS. 



No. 3. 
GRAND LODGE OF FRANCE. 



A. L., 5772, on the iTth day of the 1th. month of ttie Christian Era, 
Sept. 17th, 1772. 

The Commissaries of the Sovereign and Most Worshipful Grand 
Lodge of France. 

To ail the regular Lodges, &c., &c. 

Worshipful Masters and Dear Brethren. 

The efforts of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge have constantly and 
unceasingly tended to the prosperity of the Royal Art. For many 
years she has searched for the germ which divided her children and 
which has disturbed the peace of some of the Uasts of France. She 
has discovered that the divisions, in general, have originated from the 
prerogatives of degrees. While she relied upon and trusted the Council 
of Emperors of the East and West, Sublime Scotch Mother Lodge, for 
the administration and regulation of the higher degrees, she herself wa-s 
carefully attending to the Symbolic degrees, viz.^ the Apprentice, the 
Companion, and the Master, in their different rites. The boundaries 
which she herself had set to her work and jurisdiction, have been the pre- 
tence^ under vjhick several subordinate bodies and individuals have sought 
to conquer the superior authority. New Councils have been established 
under the arbitrary laws of their recent founders ; Independence was the 
Constitutive basis of said establishments, and they assumed the neces- 
S^iry prerogatives which are the reward of long and diligent labor, and 
which merit alone can obtain without any injury to Equality — the cor- 
ner stone of our Order. 

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was engaged in finding such 
means as would obviate the evils, in which said new pretensions might 
involve the Royal Art when her labors were suspended. Since she has 
resumed them, she has given her first attention to the subject, and with 
the consent of our Illustrious Chiefs, she had receive<l in her bosom the 
Sovereign Council of the Emperors of the East and West, Sublime Scotch 
Mother Lodge, with which she has united in one single body — said body 
h^s the exclusive legislative power and authority over all the Masonic. 
*l^grees^ and the fu Iness of all Masonic knowledge. 



10 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

It was not enongli for the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge to determine 
the central point of Masonry : she extended her views further. After 
having regulated the form of her administration, her intention is to 
examine all the decrees, to re-establish those which might have been altered^ 
and to r^einstate each of them in the rank which it ought to occupy. 

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge has specially charged us by her 
deliberations of July 26th and August 9th, last past, to prepare those 
important matters. We do not neglect them — we are now engaged in 
our labors and we most sincerely wish to meet her views promptly. We 
hope that you will concur with us in communicating to us your opinions 
and reflections upon the reform of the general administration, and in 
acquainting us with the particular rules and customs of your JEJast 
We have the pleasure of being W. M. and dear brethren. 
Signed, Manu propria, Bruneteau, Gaillard, 

De Boulainvilliers, Lacan, 
Dei4Alande, Labady, D' Aubertin, 
and Baron de Toussaint. 



Repo r t 

On tlie Difficulties ivliicli exist tetioeen 

the 

Grand Lodge of tJie Yorlc Mite 

for the State of Louisiana^ 

and the 

Supreme Council of the Scottish Itii4 

for the same State^ 

A?id on the Pretentions of the Several Supreme Councils 

existing in America, 

and 

Irrefutable Proofs 

that the 

Scottish Mite^ Ancient and Accepted^ in 33 degrees,, 

originally belonged to the 

Grand East of France, 

By Br:. Le Blanc Be Marconnay^ 33.f, 

Orator of the Chamber of Council and of Appeals 

of the Grand Bast 

Translated, from the French^ 

By Bro:. Laffon Ladebat^ 

A. M.\ M,\ of the Yorh Rite^ and a Member of the 

Supreme Council 

of the 

Scottish Rite^ Ancient and Accepted^ 

Neu) Orleans t 
1853. 



DOCUMENTS, 13 



TO THE CHAMBER OF COUNCIL AND OF APPEALS 



OF THE 



ORAND EAST OF FRANCE, 



M.-. Worthy BB.-. : 

Serious difficulties have arisen between two Masonic bodies established 
in Louisiana, and corresponding with the Grand East of France. The 
documents concerning said difficulties have been deposited at the Grand 
East since September last by Bro, Jobert, a Representative of the Supreme 
Council, sitting at New Orleans, and were to be submitted to the appre- 
ciation of the Chamber of Council and of Appeals, in compliance with 
Article 72 of the Constitution, which reads : 

'' The Chamber gives its opinion in all cases concerning the relations of 
i-he Grand East with Foreign Masonic Powers." 

Tiie Article 540 of the General Statutes, ^now in force, contains the 
following dispositions : 

" The Special Speaker of the Chamber of Council and of Appeals shall 
furnish a Report to be annexed to the documents." 

In order, consequently, to comply with said prescriptions, I now submit 
my opinion upon a Schism, much to be lamented, which has lasted too 
long, between powers equally connected with this Grand East. 

All the Grand Lodges of the United States of America, .32 in number, 
have been constituted after the York Rite, because they originated from 
England, Scotland or Ireland, where said rite is practiced since the 
revival of the Masonic Order, and where it has ever stood, unalloyed. 

The only exception to this general rule took place in Louisiana, which 
became a State of the Union in 1812. The population of said State was, 
at that time, exclusively of French or Spanish origin. The first Lodge 
in Louisiana was founded in 1*793, by brethren of various Easts, all united 
at New Orleans. They applied to the Grand Lodge of South Carolin^^, 



14 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

and obtained from her, and under the name and title of " Perfect Union^'^' 
tt Constitution whereby they were authorized to practice the York Rite. 

The second Lodge was estabhshed in 1*794, after the Scottish Rite, by 
the Grand Mother Lodge of Marseilles, in default of the Grand East 
which, at the time, was not at work, in consequence of the events of the 
French Revolution. This Lodge took the name of " Polar Star Lodc/e,^* 
which cumulated afterwards, the Modern, Scottish, and York Rites. 

Masons fram South Carolina established, in 1 800, a York Rite Lodge,. 
under the obedience of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and bearing 
the name of " Charity/ Lodged 

Several brethren from the North of th^ United States, established, in 
1806, the " Louisiana Lodge^^ under the jarisdictionof the Grand Lodge 
of New York, equally practicing the York Rite. 

In tke same year the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, authorized the 
establishment of a new Lodge after the York Rite, and under the name of 
*■' Harmony, ^^' and another, under the name of the " Desired. Re Union^^' 
composed of Masons from St. Domingo. 

Such was the essence of Masonry in Louisiana, previous to the ereatioii- 
of a Special Grand Lodge for that country. The Constitutive authorities 
and the rites in pra©tice were different. But at that period, Louisiana^ 
was but a Masonic Territory, belonging to a foreign power, and it was. 
then customary for Masons to derive thek titles from whencesoever they 
chose, as^ long as the majority recognized or established no Masonic 
authority. 

All these Lodges lived in perfect harmony, notwithstanding their 
different communions, and, as a matter of course, the rites followed by 
the Masons of Louisiana were amalgamated. 

The idea of founding a Gmnd Lodge belongs to the first of the Con- 
stituted Lodges, and all said Lodges concurred in a n^asure, whereby 
they were to be governed on an equal footing with the Lodges of Ihe 
other parts of the Union. 

A General Committ'ee was constituted, in Convention, or the 1 8tli of 
April, 1812, under the title of " General/ Masomc C'onvniittee for the. 
State of Louisiana,''^ and "/or tUe purpose of establishing a- Grand Lodge- 
at New Orleans.''- Said Committee decided that a Grand Masonic Con- 
vention, composed of the five first OfBcers of the ex-Woi'shipful Masters- 
of the Lodges represented in its bosom, should be summoned on the 6th. 
of June, 1812. A Constitution was adopted, and th« Grand Lodge was. 
inaugurated after the York Rite, on the 11th of June, 1812, under tha- 
I,*residency of Wor.-. Bro.*. Dubourg, first Grand blaster. 



DOCUMENTS. 15 

On the 15th of March, 1813, a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons 
for the State of Louisiana, was also formed and established, independent 
of the Grand Lodoje, in order to res^ulate the administration of the Hio-h 
degrees of the York Rite. 

Finally, the Scottish Masons applied to the competent authority of said 
rite, for the establishment of a Grand Consistory for the Southern portion 
of the United States ; said Consistory was inaugurated and proclaimed iu 
New Orleans, on the 19th day of June, 1813, and became afterwards a 
dependency of the Supreme Council now existing in that part of the 
w^orld. 

The principal officers of the Grand Lodge, belonged in the meantime, 
to the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and to the Scottish Con- 
sistory of Louisiana. Many Lodges worked altogether under the York, 
Scottish, and Modern Constitutions, without interrupting the general har- 
mony. 

An act of incorporation was granted by the Legislature of Louisiana to 
the Grand Lodge, and said act contained no proviso whereby, to enjoy its 
privileges and benefits, it should be necessary to belong exclusively to the 
York Rite. On the contrary, it is therein stipulated, that all regular 
Lodges constituted, or to be hereafter constituted, under the authority of 
said Grand Lodge, are hereby declared to be as many Corporations, 
defacto et dejure^ under whatever name or title they might be known or 
called in their Constitutions, with powers equal to those granted by the 
Grand Lodge. However, B. B. Soulie, Dubourg, Moreau de Lilet, Lefe- 
brue, Lemonier, Guibert, and Pinta, mentioned as petitioners in the 
preamble of said act, belonged to the several rites then in practice, and 
among said rites was the Scottish Rite, Ancient and Accepted. 

It is true that there existed some discontent among certain Lodges of 
the York Rite, claiming the rigorous privileges of said rite, and excluding 
any amalgamation with other systems. But the Grand Lodge was not, 
at that period, afflicted with that disease, and was sparing no exertion to 
maintain Union among her subordinates. 

Furthermore, the Grand Lodge, by a decree of June 8th, 1833, which 
decree was notified to the Grand Consistory of Princes of the Royal 
Secret for the State of Louisiana, established in her bosom a Scottish 
Symbolic Chamber, and requested the Grand Consistory to divest itself 
of the right of constituting Scottish Lodges, and to transfer the same to 
said Chamber. This demand was granted, and all the Scottish Lodges 
exchanged their Constitutive title for a Patent issuing from the Grand 
Lodge in her Scottish Symbolic Chamber. This act proves undeniably 



16 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

that the Grand Lodge of the York Rite, recogn'zes the right of the 
Grand Scottish Consistory, and consequently, of the ouprerae Council, to 
fisiablish Lodges of its system in Louisiana. 

In 1839 the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, succeeded the Grand 
Scottish Consistory, and that power, the highest of this system, had a 
personal right to inherit the prerogatives of an inferior authority. This 
Supreme Council has been recognized by the Grand East of France, with 
which it has lield a correspondence for more than ten years, and its 
regularity is, at this day, beyond all question. 

The Grand Lodge is also in correspondence with the Grand East, and 
from that period, each of those authorities in Louisiana, has been 
separately repesrented by distinct sponsors, in the bosom of the French 
Masonic Senate. 

Encampments of Knight Templars had been instituted in Louisiana by 
the Grand Encampment of the United States of America, and albeit this 
f^ystem is considered as foreign to Masonry by all the authorities professing 
the several rites, these bodies, nevertheless, worked under 'Jne jurisdiction 
of, or were attached to, the other regular Masonic bodies of the Consistory. 

It is true that the York Rite, in its admirable Puritanism, does not 
recognize, as belonging to the Masonic doctrines, the High degrees of the 
Scottish Rite, those of Heredom, Modern System, Kilwinning, Scotch 
]^hilosophy, nor those of the " Rectified System " of Knight Templars, of 
Malta, and of the Tripple Cross. But it does not forbid its adepts to 
take those degrees, and does not consider that they have forfeited their 
title of Masons, if their inclination induces them to become initiated to 
said degrees — it prohibits only, the wearing of their insignia in its Sym- 
bolic temples. 

In 1846, the Grand Lodge of the State of Mississippi, contrary to all 
rules established between the Grand Lodges of the American Union, 
constituted several Symbolic Lodges after the York Rite, in and for the 
territory of the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana. The latter justly 
complained of such unfair conduct, and denounced her to all the Grand 
Lodges, the majority of which blamed energetically such an illegal step. 
The Grand Lodge of Mississippi rested her right upon a pretended viola- 
tion of the rules established for the practice of the York Rite, which 
violation resided, according to her opinion, in the cumulation of rites 
adopted by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. 

A few Lodges of *<he York Rite, in the State of Louisiana, took advan- 
tage of the disposition of the Mississippi Grand Lodge, and of the question 
brought up by this foreign authority, to take a part in the quarrel ; so 



DOCUMENTS. 17 

that, in 1848, seven Lodges, thus illegally constituted, united for the 
purpose of constituting a Spurious Masonic Authority, which was called 
" Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons of Louisiana." 

In 1849, the regular Grand Lodge of Louisiana, numbered Sixty-Six 
Lodges under her jurisdiction, three of which followed the Modern Rite, 
four the Scottish Rite, one cumulated the York, Scottish and Modern 
Kites, and the remainder practiced the York Rite. 

These painful debates lasted until 1850, when a Convention of the 
Symbolic Lodges of Louisiana called all the Masons of the State for the 
purpose of adopting a new Constitution. The Scottish Lodges, together 
with those of other rites, sent Deputies to the Convention : but it may 
easily be conceived, that they were defeated by an immense majority of 
the followers of the York Rite. The Constitution that was then adopted, 
decreed that the Grand Lodge for the State of Louisiana could establish 
no other, but Lodges of Ancient and Accepted Free Masons. The 
brethren of the Scottish Rite believed sincerely, that this disposition con- 
cerned the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, as well ns the 
Ancient and Accepted York Rite Masons. But such was not the inten- 
tion of the leaders of the majority in the Grand Lodge, and soon after, the 
Scottish Chamber ceased to be admitted in her bosom. 

And in order that there should be no misunderstanding about the new 
intentions of the Grand Lodge, she informed the Supreme Council by a 
special communication, dated March 6th, 1850, that henceforth she 
would neither constitute nor administer any other Lodges but those pro- 
fessing exclusively the York Rite. The Scottish Lodges, thus deprived 
of a proper government, returned 'their Charters to the Grand Lodge, and 
united under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council, from which they 
received new Constitutions. 

It was in consequence of this event, that the Supreme Council, by a 
decision dated September 20th, 1850, resumed its authority over all the 
degrees of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. 

The various changes, which I have related, would have been but of a 
common nature had not the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, by an incompre- 
hensible intolerance, ordered all the Lodges under its jurisdiction, to shut 
out the Scottish Masons, persisting in considering the Spurious Masons. 
The Grand Lodge of Louisiana sought to justify this strange ostracism 
by the authority of two Scottish Masonic powers, which entertain in 
America a long standing partiality to the practice of the Ancient and 
Accepted Scottish Rite. 

The Supreme Council of Charleston, and that of J. J. J. Gourgag, 



18 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

declare, that thej never pretended to govern the Symbolic Lodges of the 
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and consider the Supreme Council 
:>f Louisiana as spurious, under the pretence, that they neither constituted 
nor recognized it — and again, that the laws of Frederick IL, their pre- 
tended Legislator have regulated the number of Supreme Councils havintr 
the exclusive right of practicing in America. By said laws, there should 
be but two Supreme Councils, one for the South, and the other for the 
North. 

The odd predicament in which our Scottish brethren of Louisiana find 
themselves, makes it a duty for us to examine their titles, to discuss the 
value of the objections made to them, and to give our opinion in the 
matter. 

Notwithstanding the high respect which I am inclined to entertain for 
my learned friends the brethren Albert G. Mackey, Gr.-. Sec'y.'. Gen.-, of 
the Supreme Council of Charleston, and C. W. Moore, G.-. Rec". Gen.-, 
of the Gourgas Supreme Council, I cannot coincide with them about the 
spuriousness of the Supreme Council sitting at New Orleans, and it is my 
duty to prove here that the latter Supreme Council is more regular, and 
observes better than theirs, the true regulation of Scottish Masonry. 

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is nothing else than a modifi- 
cation of the Rite of Perfection which was practiced in the Ancient Coun- 
cils of the Emperors of the East and West, in the bosom of the Grand 
Lodge of France. It had then but Twenty-five degrees regularly con- 
ferred, but it possessed several other degrees which were obsolete. It 
was in coming to America, that this rite, enforcing a Ritual out of prac- 
tice, transformed itself into Thirty-three degrees. 

The first Supreme Council which appeared under that title in the 
Masonic world, was that of Charleston, South Carolina. It began its 
works in 1802. The powers granted to Count de Grasse Tilly were 
issued by this Supreme Council : his Patent dated February 21st, 1802, 
was signed by Brethren Frederick Dalcho, De la Motta, Isaac Auld, &c. 
He never established a Supreme Council in the island of St. Domingo, as 
has been asserted : he came direct from South Cai'olina to France. 

The Masons of the York Rite, working in South Carolina under the 
jurisdiction of a regular Grand Lodge, were astonished at these High 
degrees claiming a supremacy over the order, and, through the Grand 
Lodge of the State, they enquired about tlieir origin, and from whom 
they held their powers. The Supreme Council appointed a Commission 
composed of Bro's Frederick Dalcho, K. H., Prince of the R. S. Sov.-. Gr.-. 
Ins.-. Gen.-, of the Thirty-third degree ; Emanuel De la I\Iotta, K. H. P. 



. DOCUMENTS. 1 9 

of the R.*. S.\ Sov.*. Gr/. Ins.-. Gen.*. Thirty-third degree ; Treasurer Gen. 
of the H.-. E.-. and Isaac Auld, K. H. P. ctf tne Royal S. Sov.\ Gr.\ 
Ins.*. Gen.*. Thirty-third degree, to make a report on the subject. The 
brethren reporters asserted that, in 5162 (1762) the Constitutions of the 
Scottish Rite were transmitted to the 111.*. Bro.*. Stephen Morin, who, on 
the 2'7th August, 5761 (1761) had been acknowledged as General 
Inspector of all the Lodges &c., in the New World, by the Grand Con- 
sistory of Princes of the Royal Secret, convened at Paris, and presided 
over by the Deputy of the King of Prussia, Challon de Joinville, Sub- 
stitute General of the Order. [This is a wrong assertion. Bro. Challon 
de Joinville has never been a Deputy of the King of Prussia, and has not 
assumed that quality on the Patent of Brother Stephen Morin. He was 
the Substitute of the Prince de Clermont, then Grand Master of the 
Order in France.] And that those constitutions had been introduced in 
America by the same Brother Stephen Morin and his successors. This 
Repbrt was printed by T. B. Bowen, No. 3 Bend Street, Charleston, South 
Carolina, in 1802. The title of it is, "A Discourse dehvered in the 
Subhme Grand Lodge, at Charleston, South Carolina, on the 23d Sep- 
tember, 1802, in presence of the members of said Lodge, of the Symbolic 
Grand Lodge of the Ancient Masons, and of the Officers of the several 
Lodges of this city, and published, at their request, by Brother Frederick 
Dalcho, a member of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree, 
and Brother Orator of the Sublime Grand Lodge of Perfection." A copy 
of said discourse is still extant, as the III. Bro. Mackey has assured me, 
in his correspondence some years ago. However, it has been reprinted 
at Dublin, Ireland, in 1808, by John King, Westmoreland Street, with 
privilege from the author, and under the direction of the 111. College 
of Knights Kadoseh, from which Chapter the Prince Masons of Ireland 
derive their origin. Its authenticity stands then indisputable. 

The Ancient Council of the Emperors of the East and West, existed in 
the old Grand Lodge of France. This fact results from the structure 
itself of the letters patent dehvered to Stephen Morin. This Council and 
Lodge were under the direction of the same Grand Master, Count de 
Clermont, Prince of the Royal Blood, and of the same Representative of 
the Grand Master, Challon de Joinville. It united in 1772 with the 
Grand Lodge of France. This Grand Lodge, in its turn, united with the 
Grand Orient of France, by treaty of May 21st, 1799, and relinquished 
all its powers to that body. Thus, the Grand Orient is the sole and 
legitimate successor of the Grand Lodge, in all its attributions, allianceSj, 
prerogatives, <fec. 



20 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

The Council of the Emperors of the East and West had branched 
itself off in 1766, in order to frame a Council of Knights of the East. 
These two authorities became, soon after, extinct, with the exception, 
however, of such part of them as united itself to the Grand Orient of 
France in 1772, as has just been explained. 

From the broken remains of the Ancient Council of the Emperors of 
the East and West, and of the Council of the Knights of the East, arose, 
in 1784, with the assistance of many brethren of the higher degrees and 
Officers of the Grand Lodge of France, a Grand Chapter General of 
France, which, in its turn, became united with the Grand Orient of 
France, by treaty of February 27th, 1786. 

In consequence of these acts, the Grand Orient has thus gathered in its 
hands, all the powers of the several authorities : it has thus become the 
sole legitimate possessor, and the mediate successor to the founders, of the 
Rite of Perfection, of the Consistory of Princes of the Royal Secret, and 
of all the Scottish system. Ancient and Accepted, which was practiced not 
only in the Council of the Emperors of the East and West, but also in the 
Scottish Consistories of Bordeaux, known under the title of " Sublime 
Scottish Mother Lodge^'' and which was conferred on Stephen Morin, 
and called, from that period, Scottish Rite, Ancient and Accepted. 

The Supreme Council of Charleston holds, consequently, its powers 
from France, according to its own statement, and to the most authentic 
historical documents ; and it would be unfair, at this day, for it to charge 
with spuriousness the Supreme Council of New Orleans, which France 
has recognized with which she has made alliance, and which the Grand 
Orient proclaims perfectly regular. 

If the laws of the Scottish Rite must be known, interpreted, vindicated, 
and observed, it must be through, and by, the Grand Orient of France, 
which is the oldest authority, the stock, and the tradition of said rite. 

As regards the Supreme Council, of which the 111. Brother J. J. J. 
Gourgas is, at present, the Grand Master, it has no more authority in the 
matter than the Supreme Council of Charleston. It was established on 
the 5th of August, 1813, by the Supreme Council of the M.*. P.*. S.*, G.% 
I.-. G.-. of the Thirty-third degree, under the Celestial Canopy of the 
Zenith, corresponding to the 32 '^ 45' 00" of North Latitude for the 
Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. (Such is the title 
adopted in the Act of Constitution by the Supreme Council of Charleston, 
under the denomination of Gr.*. and Sup.*. Council of the M.*. P.*. S.*. 
G.'. L*. G/. of the Thirty-third degree, under the Celestial Canopy of the 
Zenith, corresponding to the 40^ 42' 40^' of North Latitude, for the 



DOCUMENTS. 21 

Northern District and Jurisdiction of the United States of North America). 
Brother Richard Riker, First Criminal Judge, and Clerk of the City of 
New York, was appointed Lieut.*. Commander, Brother D. L. M. Peix- 
otto, of New York Rabbi, was a founder of said Council, Brother J. J. J, 
Gourgas was the Grand Chancellor Secretary, and Brother Giles Fonda 
Yates, of the Protestant Reformed Religion, had been admitted in it, as 
representing the Supreme Council of Charleston. But, at that time, and 
since 1807, there existed already at New York, a Supreme Council, as 
regular as that of Charleston, and of which the Hon. Dewitt Clinton, 
Governor of the State, was the Grand Commander until his death in 
1828, and of which the 111.'. Bro.*. Henry C. Atwood is now the Grand 
Commander. The existence of this Supreme Council proved the illegality 
of the Gourgas Supreme Council. The latter has since transferred its 
seat to Boston. Nevertheless, it has not relinquished its pretentions upon 
New York, and claims to be the sole Scottish authority for all the North- 
ern part of the United States. The Gourgas Supreme Council, an oft- 
spring of the Supreme Council of Charleston, must, like its parent, respect 
the decisions of the Grand Orient, their common author. 

These two Supreme Councils labor under serious errors as regards the 
laws by which they are governed, and the rights which they arrogate to 
themselves. They refer to a decree of May 1st, 1786, fathered upon 
Frederick II., King of Prussia, and by which, according to their statement, 
the twenty-five degrees have been extended to thirty-three, and the rules 
of the rite established for the future. 

Article 5th pro\ides " that there shall be but one Council of this degree 
(53. '^) in each nation or kingdom in Europe, two in the States of North 
America, as distant as possible from each other ; one in the English islands 
of America, and one, also, in the French islands." 

'VMien Stephen Morin imported the Rite of Perfection, or the Ancient 
Accepted Rite, in America, he somewhat attempted to disguise its origin, 
and to give it more importance than it really had. He, consequently, 
fathered the merits of the modification^ upon an absolute monarch, and 
extemporized the law of May 1st, 1786, which he arranged for his own 
purposes. The bad use of the powers given to Stephen Morin, caused 
the Grand Lodge of France to recall him in 1766. 

This rite, in fact, has no other true regulations than those decreed at 
Bordeaux, on the 20th September, 1762, by the Commissaries of the 
Council of the Emperors of the East and West, of Paris, and of the 
Princes of the Royal Secret, of Bordeaux. As regards the laws of Frede- 
rick II., it is certain that they never existed ; and, if they had ever been 



^2 SCOTTISH EITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

made, it would be at Berlin, not at Paris, and still less at Charleston, that 
tlie traces of their origin ought to be found. 

In 1846 I deposited in the Grand Orient the original, in German, of a 
document which had been directed to me at New York, on the 1 7th of 
August, 1833, by the Grand Lodge of the "Three Globes," one of the 
three regular Masonic authorities of Prussia, and its purport is as tbllows : 

" Concerning the opinions prevailing among you, we inform you that 
Frederick the Great is partly the author of the system adopted in our 
Lodges, but that he never troubled himself abo*ut our affairs, nor did he 
ever prescribe any laws to the Masons to whom he gave protection 
throughout his estates* The Grand Lodge, as far as she is concerned, 
maintains her jurisdiction over the Blue degrees of St. John only. A spe- 
cial committee, composed of members elected by the brethren, and called 
"' Superior Interior East,' directs the works of the Higher degrees, which 
do not exceed seven (which, with the primitive Blue degrees, form ten 
degrees). Such is the state of things ; and all that is rumored among 
you, about the prescriptions and ordinances of Frederick the Great, and 
of a Superior Senate, which m^st exist, stands on no ground whatever/' 

It is certain that the Grand Lodge, " Royal York of Friendship," fol- 
lows no other system than that of Fessler, which has but nine degrees ; 
and that the "Grand National Lodge of Germany" professes but the 
system of Zinnendorf, composed of seven degrees only* Consequently, 
it is perfectly well demonstra.ted that, the Scottish Rite, in thirty-three 
degrees, has constantly been foreign to Prussia, notwithstanding the asser- 
tion that Frederick II. had willed the establishment of a Supreme Council 
for each State or Nation of Europe. All members of the Scottish Rit6 
must, consequently, now give up the idea of enforcing the pretended Grand 
Gonstitutfons of 1 786. 

Thus the prescription concerning the number and seat of the several 
Supreme Councils in the Universe, can no more be admitted, still less can 
it be applied to the equally extravagant disposition by which a Sov.*. Gr.% 
Ins.-. Gen.*, of the Thirty-third degree had the power of making Masons, 
of convening them, and therewith forming a Supreme Council in countries 
which had none. 

Supreme Councils must follow the common law. They must derive 
their powers from a regular authority of the rite, and they can establish 
their seats in such States as may have none. The United States of 
America can have one for each State of the Union, as each one has a G.\ 
Lodge upon the same principle. This principle has been sanctioned, among 
others, by the Grand East of Brazil, which made application to the Grand 



DOCUMENTS. £3 

Orient of France for the powers necessarj^ to the establishment of the 
Scottish Eite, and to the formation of a Supreme Council in its bosom. 
Said principle has again been resorted to, in the Grand East and Supreme 
Council of New Grenada, which, since about twenty years, practices the 
Scottish Rite in said republic, and had been formed after the prescriptions 
of 1V86. This authority has been regularized by the Grand Orient of 
France, and has thus become a regular Scottish power in New Grenada. 

The Charleston and Gourgas Supreme Councils have no more reason 
to say, " that the Scottish Eite has no Symbolic degrees, and that its 
authority affects only the Higher degrees." Each rite rests on its own 
primitive degrees. The form may diflfer, but the main point is always the 
same ; thus, the symbolism of the York Rite is not that of the Scottish 
Rite, nor is the symbohsm of the Modern Rite the same as that of the 
Ancient Rite. 

The Patents of Stephen Morin literally say — •" That he has full power 
of establishing a Lodge, to receive and multiply the Royal Order of Free 
Masonry, in all the Perfect and Sublime degrees." 

The regulations of September 20th, 1*762 (Article 2), in prescribing 
the classification of the degrees, provide that, " to pass from Apprentice 
to Fellow Craft, a distance of five months is required ; and, that to be 
raised from Fellow Craft to Master Mason, a distance of seven months 
shall be observed." 

We read, in a printed notice of the report made by the Commissaries 
of the Supreme Council of Charleston, in 1802, already mentioned— 
" Although the Subhme Masons have not, in this country, initiated any 
one to the Blue degrees, their Councils possess the irrevocable right of 
granting Patents to that purpose. It is the custom on the continent of 
Europe, and could be here the case, if circumstances rendered necessary 
the use of that power. The legality of their rite derives from the highest 
Masonic authority on earth, and can be tested to the satisfaction of any 
lawful or legislative Masonic body. In continental Europe, in England, in 
Ireland, in the West Indies, every Sublime Mason is known as a legiti- 
mate Past Master. In England, and in many States of America, the 
Grand Officers must be Royal Arch Masons. The Inspectors have not 
insisted enough on this point in this State (South Carolina), because they 
declined interfering with the Symbolic degrees ; but they are fully con- 
nnced that, all Sublime Masons are regular Past Masters, and under as 
authentic a title and constitution as that of His Royal Highness the Prince 
of Wales, who is the Grand Master for England." 

In the nomenclature of the degrees imported by Stephen Morin, and 



24: SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

which formed a part of those practiced by the Supv-^me Council of Char- 
leston, mentioned ia said report, we find: 1. The Entered Apprentice; 
2. The Fellow Craft ; 3. The Master Mason. 

Thus the Supreme Council of Charleston, from its own avowal, after its 
own acts, and by the positive declaration of its first Masters, of its found- 
ers, is in manifest contradiction with the doctrine it gets up to-day for th^ 
occasion. 

The Ancient Supreme Councils, such as that of Italy, established at 
Milan, March 5th, 1806 ; that of the kingdom of the Two Sicilies, con- 
stituted at Naples, June 11th, 1809, under the Grand Mastership of King 
Joachim Murat ; that of Spain and the Indies, established at Madrid, on 
the premises of the Inquisition, under the protectorship of King Joseph 
Napoleon, July 2 1st, 1811, were settled on a Grand National Lodge of 
the rite, which in each of those countries conferred the Symbolic degrees. 
The Grand Orient makes a proper distinction between the rites it professes. 
It delivers distinct Constitutions for the Lodges of each rite, or allows the 
cumulation of rites in each Lodge. But it never establishes its Councils, 
Tribunals, or Consistories, without settling them on a Lodge or a Charter 
professing the Scottish Rite Ancient and Accepted. Article 20 of our 
Constitution provides that a Lodge is the real Masonic foundation, that it 
is she who initiates to the Masonic life, and that it is upon her that the 
Lodges of Perfection are settled. 

Supreme Councils can dispense with constituting Symbolic Lodges when 
there exists an authority conferring the inferior degrees ; but they resume 
and exert their rights on symbolism, when said authority ceases to prac- 
tice the rite. Therefore, as long as the Grand Lodge of Louisiana possessed 
a Scottish chamber in its bosom, the Supreme Council of New Orleans 
had a right to confine itself to the practice of the higher degrees ; but 
when the Grand Lodge had abolished that chamber — when it had declared 
that it would no longer constitute Lodges of the Scottish Rite, the Supreme 
Council had not only the right, but it was its duty to constitute regular 
Lodges after its rite throughout the whole extent of Louisiana. 

It would be useless to argue that Masonic Symbolic authorities become 
irregular when they cumulate several rites. Experience victoriously answers 
the argument. France, Brazil, New Grenada, and Louisiana herself, during 
a certain time, cumulated, and still cumulate several rites, and no incon- 
venience resulted therefrom. 

The Grand Lodge of Ancient Masons for the State of Louisiana ought 
to reflect, that she herself acknowledged the right of the Supreme Council 
of reguhirly conferring Symbolism., when she requested that body, on the 



DOCUMENTS. 25 

8th of June, 1833, to relinquish the right of constituting Lodges through- 
out the extent of its territory, on condition of its establishing a Scottish 
Chamber in its bosom. 

These diverse pretensions gave birth to grievances, which it is necessary 
to point out and to appreciate. The Supreme Council of Charleston has 
lately established a Consistory of the Thirty-third degree in the very city 
of New Orleans, which it has digfnified with the title of " Grand Consis 
tory for the State of Louisiana." On the other hand, the regular Supreme 
Council of Louisiana has created in New York a suf.erior body of the 
Scottish Rite. 

The Supreme Council of Charleston has viokted ail the rules esUib- 
lished in Masonry, by constituting a Consistory on .ths very premises of a 
regular power of the rite it does itself profess, and the independence of 
which it is bound to respect. 

The Supreme Council of Louisiana could be blamed for a similar fault, 
not towards the Gourgas Supreme Council, which is irregular for the State 
of New York, and cannot pretend to be regular, except for Massachusetts, 
but towards the legitimate successors to the Supreme Council of New 
York, which existed in that city since 1807, and which is now under the 
Grand Mastership of the 111.*. Bro.'. Atwood. I must, nevertheless, 
observe that the Supreme Council of Louisiana, acknowledging the legiti- 
mate rights of the Atwood Supreme Council, is ready to relinquish in its 
favor alj pretensions over the superior body that it has established in 
New York. 

The several Supreme Councils of the American Union must remain 
confined within the States in which they sit. They can establish Scottish 
IxKiges, and even Supreme Councils, in the States which have no regular 
authority. This system is in conformity with that already adopted in the 
United States, among all the existing Grand Lodges. 

The Supreme Council of New York, at present under the direction of 
the 111 .•. Bro .*. Atwood, has been entered on the Annual of the Grand 
Orient of 1816 as enjoying the correspondence. The Gourgas Supreme 
Council has solicited the same favor in 1829. The Supreme Council of 
Charleston has appeared in the Annual of 1830.; the Grand Lodge of 
Ancient Masons for the State of Louisiana entered in the correspondence 
of the Grand Orient in 1836 ; the Supreme Council of New Orleans hi\s 
been therein admitted in 1842. All said authorities can, consequently, 
be considered as our allies ; and if we have no right to interfere in their 
quarrels for the purpose of dictating laws, it is our province and our rigor- 
ous duty, to enlighten them if we can, to reconcile them, and to watch 



26 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

over tlie preservation of our relations with powers we hold in the same 
degree of esteem. 

It is, consequently, our mission to address to the W /. Grand Lodge of 
Ancient Masons of the York Rite for the State of Louisiana, some frater- 
nal representations upon the awkward position in which her last proceed- 
ings have placed our brethren of the Scottish Rite in Louisiana. 

We would also invite her, to re-establish in her bosom, the Scottish 
Symbolic Chamber, in order that the Symbolic Lodges of that system 
should be constituted, and work in peace under her jurisdiction. We 
must also invite the Charleston and Gourgas Supreme Councils to recog- 
nize the legitimacy of the rights of the New Orleans Supreme Council. 

We must advise first, The Gourgas Supreme Council, to confine itself 
within its territory for the State of Massachusetts. Second, The Supreme 
Council of Charleston to relinquish the Grand Consistory which it has 
illegally constituted in the city of New Orleans, in spite of the indisputable 
and well established right of the New Orleans Supreme Council, and we 
do hereby declare, from this very time forward, that we do consider said 
Grand Consistory as abusive, vexatious, and irregular in its works. 

We must publish, that whilst we admit the legitimacy of the Grand 
Lodge for each State in the Union, and for the government of the York 
Rite, still we are ready to recognize as the only regular powers, in the 
different parts of the Union, for the practice of the Scottish Rite Ancient 
and Accepted, in thirty-three degrees : 

1st. For South Carolina, the Supreme Council established at Charles- 
ton, 111. Brother John H. Honor, actual Grand Commander, and III 
Brother Albert G. Mackey, Grand Secretary. 

2d. For New York, the Supreme Council established at New York, 
Ijl. Brother Henry C. Atwood, Grand Commander, and 111. Brother 
Robert B. Folger, Grand Secretary. 

3d, For Massachusetts, the Supreme Council established at Boston, III 
Brother J. J. J. Gourgas, Grand Commander, and 111. Brother Charles W. 
Moore, Grand Secretary. 

4th. And for Louisiana, the Supreme Council established at New- 
Orleans, 111. Brother James Foulhouze, Grand Commander, and III 
Brother J. J. L. Massicott, Grand Secretary. 

Finally, we do hereby solemnly, and in the presence of the Masonic 
world, declare that the Scottish Masons, under the jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Council of New Orleans, possessing all and every condition 
required for one to be a regular Mason, should be received as such, in the 



\ 



t 



•DOCUMENTS. 27 

French Teinples, and that our alliance with the regular Scottish authority 
in Louisiana, shall remain unshaken. Signed, 

East of Paris, the 3d day of the Moon called Elul, 6th month, A. L. 
6852 ; the ISth of August, 1852, of the Christian Era. 
The Orator of the Chamber of Council and of appeals for the Grand 
Orient of France. Le Blanc de Marconnay, 



APPENDAGE TO DOCUMENT 3, 



TRA^"SLATI0N of a document received fiom 111/, Bro/. Le Blanc de 
Marconnay, the original of which is deposited in the archives of Supreme 
Council. 



"The first Lodge known in France was constituted in 1725 by the 
Grand Lodge of England in the York Rite. 

"Until 1756 the Grand Lodge in France bore the title of ^English 
Grand Lodge of France^ It was only during this year that it took the 
name of ' Grande Loge du Royaume^ (Grand Lodge of the Kingdonj) 
and until this time French Masonry practiced but three degrees, viz., the 
Symbolic, entitled the Apprentice, Companion and Master. 

" Masonry was not known or practiced in any of its degrees in France 
in the year 1700. 

" It was about the year 1758 that the Inefllible degrees were intro- 
duced in Masonry. They were not practiced by the Grand Lodge, but 
by an authority named ' The Supreme Council of JSmperors of East and 
We8l^ and had no more than Twenty-five degrees, the last degree of 
which was ' Prince- of the Royal Secret^ 

" It was in the year 1761 that Stephen Morin received in France th<^ 
powers to propagate the Ineffable degrees in America. He received onlv 
twenty-five degrees and with them the ' title of Inspector General^ which 
title was given him in his Patent, not as a degree^ but a function^ which 
he was to exercise in America. 

" Frederick II. of Prussia never received or practiced the Scottish Rite^ 
This Sovereign never went higher up in the Masonic Order than the 
third degree or Master Mason. Scottish Masonry, as well as the Ineffa 
ble degrees, are not now, and never have been known or practiced ii. 
Prussia ; neither were the King of Sweden, Duke of Sudermania, <fec., or 
the Duke Louis of Bourbon in France ever the Deputies of the King of 



28 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIEjS^T AND ACCEPTEtK. 

Prussia. There is nothing more problematical and uncertain than that s 
Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem was opened in Charleston, Febru- 
ary 20th, 1788. And it is equally uncertain and even questionable con- 
cerning the nomination of Colonel John Mitchell as Deputy Inspector 
General in the place of Myers in 1^7-^. The only positive thing is the 
appearance and establishment in Charleston, South Carohna^ on the 31sti 
May, 1801, of a Supreme Council that pretended to descend from and 
succeed to Stephen Morin, and which adopted thirty-three degrees instead 
of twenty-five conferred upoa said Morin. 

" The Ineffable degrees were formerly practiced in France and continued 
to be so practiced, viz., from 1*761 to 1804. Then Brother Count de 
Grasse Tilly^ who had ta^ven the Thirty-third degree in the Supreme 
Council of Charleston, brought them to France as a novelty or ' curiositi^^ 
not with the title of Ineffable degrees, as of the Rite of Perfection under 
which title they had always been hitherto known, viz., the twenty-five 
degrees — -but under that af Scottish Rite^ Ancient and Accepted, 

" When Brother Joseph Cerueau left France, he was no more than a 
Knight or Sovereign Prince of Rose Croix. 

"The administration of the Scottish Rite was adopted in France by the 
Grand Orient only in the year 1810 and 1811, after the fall of the Empire. 
Until then this rite had been under the jurisdiction of a particular admin- 
istration, not recognized by the Grand Orient, but which administration 
possessed the right of conferring the same from 1*799 by virtue of various 
treaties entered into by that body with the Grand Orient. 

"From 1807 until 1812 there wa& in New York only one lodge 
(atelier) of thirty-two degrees, of which Brother Cerneau was Grand 
Commander. It was about this time that Brother Cerneau founded a 
Supreme Council of thirty-three degrees, which obtained the acknowledg- 
ment of the Grand Orient of France in 181C. 

*'In 1813 the Supreme Council of Charleston, in order to injure and 
defame the Supreme Council of New York, which it said was irregular,, 
created (by Emanuel do la Motte) a Supreme Council in New York, of 
which J. J. J. Gourgas was made a member and afterwards (1845-50) 
became Grand Commander. 

" In 1835, Brother Count St. Laurent arrived here from St. Domingo. 
He collected together the wreck of the Supreme Council established by 
Brother Cerneau, and formed what was called the ^United CounciV 
(Sup.-. Conseil Uni,) for the Western Hemisphere, of which Brother Elias 
Hicks was Grand Commander, Brother Jonathan Schietfelin, Lieut. Grand 
Commander, Brother De la Flechelle, Blande la Motte d' Autoerive, J. 



i 



DO€UMEXTS, 20 

TelfaiT, James Herring, Le blanc de Marconnaj^, ^c, ^e., were members. 
This Supreme Council was active about two years, when it gradually fell 
into silence. 

"Definitely, The Regular Supreme Council of New York (in 1807 
possessing only thvrty-two degrees) since 1812 omnipotent for the Thirty- 
third passed in succession of time from the Illustrious Brother Dewitt 
Clinton to Illustrious Brother Elias Hicks, and finallj arrived in the 
Orand Commandery of Brother Henry C. Atwood, 

As for the Supreme Council of Louisiana, thus it is : It was established 
by the Supreme Council of New York in 1813, first as a Grand Consis- 
tory of Princes of the Royal Secret. This Consistory was confirmed in 
1 833 by the United Supreme Council of the Western Hemisphere (the 
same Supreme Council that created it) and in 1839 it took the name and 
title of Supreme Grand Council of the thirty-third, and founded a power 
for Louisiana, which was admitted to the correspondence and acknowledg- 
ment of the Grand Orient of France in 1842. 
Dated July 12th, 1853. Signed, 

Le Blanc de Marconnav. 



Note. — This document should be an appendage to the report made by 
Brother Le Blanc de Marconnay to the Grand Orient as its orator. That 
report is published in full in the Appendix, Doc. No. 8., which see, 



IDOOXJnMEEllXrT KTo- 4. 



A C O P Y 

OF THE 

POWER OR PATENT OF STEPHEN MORIN, 

T.-. T.-. G.-. 0.-. T.-. G.-. A.-. O.-. T.-. U.-. 

And in accordance with the will and pleasure of his Most Sovereign 
Highness Illustrious Brother Louis of Bourbon, Count of Clermont, 
Prince of the Blood, Grand Master and Protector of all the Lodges. 

At the East, in a place well lighted, and where dwell Peace, Suence 



30 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Concord, Anno Lucis, 5761, and according to the Christinn Era, August 
27th, lYGl. 

Lux ex tenebris, Veritas, eoncordia fratrum. 

We, the undersigned, Substitutes General of the Royal Art, Graird 
Wardens and Officers of the Grand and Sovereign Lodge of St. John^ 
established at the Grand East of Paris. And we. Sovereign Grand 
Master of the Grand Council of the Lodges of France, under the protec- 
tion of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, under the sacred and mysterious- 
numbers, do hereby declare, certify, and ordain to all Brethren, Knights 
and Princes, spread throughout both hemispheres, that having assembled 
.by order of the Deputy General, President of the Grand Council^ a request 
to us, communicated, was read at our sitting ; 

That our dear Brother Stephen Morin, Grand, Elect, Perfect, formerly 
Sublime Master, Prince Mason, Knight and SuMime Prince of all the 
Orders of the Masonry of Perfection, Member of the Trinity Royal Lodge^ 
&c., being about to leave for America, and wishing to be enabled to work 
regularly, to the advantage and improvement of the Royal Art in all its 
perfection, may it please the Sovereign Grand Council and the Grand 
Lodge to grant him Letters Patent for Constitution. A report having 
been made to us, and being acquainted with the eminent qualities of 
Brother Stephen Morin, we have, without hesitation, granted this satis- 
fection for the services which he has always rendered to the order, and 
the continuation of which is to us guaranteed by his zeal. 

Wherefore, and for other good reasons, after appix>ving and confirming, 
dear Brother Morin in his designs^ and wishing to give him testimonies, 
of our gratitude, we have unanimously constituted and instituted him, 
and by these presents do constitute and institute him, and we do give full 
power and authority to said Brother Stephen Morin, the signature of 
whom stands in the margin of these presents, to form and establish a 
Lodge for the purpose of receiving and multiplying the Royal Order of 
Free Masons in all the perfect and sublime degrees, to take due care 
that the general and particular statutes and regulations of the Grand and 
Sovereign Lodge be kept and observed, and to admit therein none but 
true and legitimate brethren of Sublime Masonry. 

To regulate and govern all the members which may compose his said! 
Lodge, which he is authorized to establish in the four parts of the world 
whither he may arrive or where he may dwell, under the title of " Lodge- 
of St. Jokn,''^ and by surname " The Perfect Harmony.''^ 

Power is hereby to him granted to select such officers as he may think 
proper to help him in the government of his Lodge, and to whom, w^ 



DOCUMI^NTS. 31 

command and enjoin to obey and respect liim. We do command and 
ordain to all Masters of regular Lodges spread all over the earth, and of 
whatsoever dignity they might be, we request and enjoin them in the 
name of the Royal Order, and in the presence of our Most Illustrious 
Grand Master, to recognize, as we do ourselves hereby recognize, our dear 
Brother Stephen Morin as Worshipful Master of the Perfect Harmony 
Lodge, and we commission 'him as our Grand Inspector"^ in every part 
of the new world to rectify the observance of our laws in general, (fee, and 
by these presents we do institute our dearest Brother Stephen Morin, our 
Grand Master Inspector, authorizing him and giving him full power to 
establish perfect and Sublinae Masonry in every part of the world, &c. 

We therefore request the brethren in general to grant to said Stephen 
Morin such aid and assistance as may be in their power, and we do require 
him to act in a similar manner toward all the brethren, members of the 
Lodge, or such as he might have admitted or constituted, or whom he 
might hereafter admit and constitute in the Sublime Degree of Perfection, 
which we grant him, with full power and authority to make Inspectors 
wherever the Sublime degrees have not been established, as we are v/ell 
satisfied with his great information and capacity. 

In testimony whereof, we have delivered him these presents, signed by 
the Deputy General of the Order, Grand Commander of the White and 
Black Eagle, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, and by us. Grand 
Inspectors, Sublime Officers of the Grand Council and of the Grand 
Lodge established in this capital, and we have hereunto aflSxed the Grand 
Seal of our Illustrious Grand Master, His Royal Highness, Louis of Bour- 
bon, Count of Clermont, Prince of the Blood, &c., and that of our Grand 
Lodge and Sovereign Grand Council. 

At the Grand East of Paris, A. L., 5761, or of the Christian Era, 
August 29th, 176 1. 

Signed. Mann propria^ 

Challon de Joinville, Deputy General of the Order, 
Worshipful Master of the first Lodge in France, 
called Br .*. F .'. Thomas, Chi^f of the Eminent 
degrees, Commander and Sublime Prince of the 
Royal Secret. 



* Tliis was a Title and not a Degree. This title was, and is still, at this day, 
bestowed on brethren conamiseioned to examine tlie work of the Lodges, in 
order to report Tipon the regularity of their proceedings and their work, — Le 
blanc de Marconnay, page 28. 



> SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED 

Prince de Rohan, Master of the Grand Lodge " the 
Intelligence " Sovereign Prince of Masonry. 

Lacorne, Deputy Grand Master, Master of Trinity 
Lodge, Grand, Elect, Perfect, Knight and Prince 
Mason, 

Salvalette de Buckolay, Grand Keeper of the Seals, 
Grand Elect, Grand Knight and Prince Mason. 

Taupin, Prince Mason. 

Brest de la Chaussee, Grand Elect Prince Mason. 

Count DE Choiseul, Prince Mason. 

Chevalier de Lenoncourt, Prince Mason. 
By Order of the Grand Lodge, Signed, 

D' AuBERTiN, Grand Elect Perfect Master and Sovereign 
Prince Mason, Master of the St. Alphonso Lodge, 
and of the Sublime Council of Perfect Masons of 
France. 



LIST OF DEGREES ATTACHED. 

Degrees agreed upon and instituted at Paris in 1758 and practiced by 
the late Council of Emperors of the East and West, confirmed by the 
Commissioners of said Council and by the Princes of the Royal Secret at 
Bordeaux, and hereby granted to Stephen Morin. 

1. Entered Aprentice. 17. Knights of the East and West 

2. Companion or Fellow Craft. 18. Knight Rose Croix. 

3. Master Mason. 19. Grand Pontiff. 

4. Secret Master. 20. Grand Patriarch. 

5. Perfect Master. 21. Grand Master of the Key of Ma- 

6. Intimate Secretary. sonry. 

7. Intendant of the Buildinsrs. 22. Prince of Libanus, or Knight of 

8. Provost and Judge. Royal Arch. 

9. Elect of Nine. 23. Sovereign Prince Adept, Chief of 

10. Elect of Fifteen. the Grand Consistory. 

11. Illustrious Elect, Chief of the 24. Illustrious Knight Commander of 

Twelve Tribes. the White and Black Eagle. 

12. Grand Master Architecto 25. Most Illustrious Sovereign Prinoe 

13. Royal Arch. of Masonry, Grand Knight Su- 

14. Grand Elect, Senior Perfect Mason. blime, Commander of the Royal 

15. Knight of the Sword. Secret. 

16. Prince of Jerusalem. 



DOCUMENTS. 33 

STEPHEN MORIN'S POWER. 

Translated from Ragon — page 131. 

Powers given to Stephen Morin on the 27th August, T761. 
To the G /. of the Gr/. A/, of the U .'. and b}'' the good pleasure of 
H .*. S .•. 11 .'. the very M .*. Bro .'. Louis of Bourbon, Count of Cler- 
mont, Prince of tlie Blood, Grand Master and Protector of all the 
Lodges : 

At the East of a place well-lighted, wherein dwell Peace, Silence, Con- 
cord, Anno Lucis, 5761, and according to the Vulgar Era, August 27th, 

1761. 

LiLX et tenehris — Unitas — Concordia fratrum. 

We, the undersigned, Deputies General of the Royal Art, Grand 
Wardens and Officers of the Gr .'. and Sou .'. Lodge of St. John of 
Jerusalem, established at the East of Paris, and we the Sov .'. Gr .*. M/. 
of the Grand Council of the Lodges of France under the protection of 
the Grand Sovereign Lodge, under the sacred and mysterious numbers, 
DO DECLARE, CERTIFY AND ORDAIN, to all the beloved. Bros .'. Knights and 
Princes throughout both hemispheres, that, having assembled by order of 
the Deputy General, President of the Grand Council, a request communi- 
cated to us by the R /. Bro .'. Lacorne, Deputy of our Very M .•. Gr/. 
Master, was read at our last sitting. That our dear Bro .'. Stephen Morin, 
Grand, Elect, Perfect and Ancient Subl ,•. Master, Prince Mason, Knight 
and Subl .'. Prince of all the orders of the Masonry of Perfection, mem- 
ber of Trinity Royal Lodge, &c., being about to leave for America, and 
wishing to be enabled to work regularly to the advantage and propagation 
of the Royal Art in all its perfection, mat- it please the Sov .•. Gr .*. Coun- 
cil, and the Grand Lodge, to grant him Letters Patent for Constitutions. 
Upon the report which has been made to us, and being acquainted with 
the eminent. qualities of Bro .*. Stephen Morin, we have without hesitation 
granted to him this small satisfaction, for the services which he has always 
rendered to the Order, and the continuation of which he guaranteed to us 
by his zeal. 

Wherefore, and for other good reasons, after approving and confirming 
the very dear Bro .'. Morin in his designs, and wishing to give him testi- 
mony of our gratitude, we have, by unanimous consent, constituted and 
instituted him, and by these presents do constitute and institute him, and 



34 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

we do give full power and authority to said Bro .'. Stephen Morin, the 
signature of whom stands in the margin of these presents, to form and 
esktblish a Lodge for the purpose of receiving and multiplying the Royal 
Order of Free Masons in all the Perfect and Sublime degrees ; to take 
due care that the general and particulai- statutes and regulations of the 
Grand and Sov :. Lodge be kept and observed, and never admit therein 
any but true and legitimate brothers of Sublime Masonry. 

To regulate and govern all the members which may compose his said 
Lodge, which he is authorized to establish in the four parts of the world, 
whither he may arrive or whither he may dwell, under the title of " Lodge 
of St. John, and by surname the " Perfect Harmony." Power is hereby 
granted him to select such officers to assist him in the government of his 
Lodge as he may deem proper, and whom we command and enjoin to 
obey and respect him. We do command and ordain all Masters oi regular 
Lodges, of whatsoever dignity they may be, over the surface of the earth 
and of the seas — we request and enjoin upon them, in the name of the 
Royal Order and in presence of our M .'. Ill .-. Gr .*. Master, to recognize 
our very dear Bro .*. Stephen Morin as Worshipful Master of the " Perfect 
Harmony Lodge." And we commission him as our Grand Inspector in 
all the parts of the New World, to rectify the observance of our laws in 
general, &c,, and by these presents we do constitute our very dear Bro .*. 
Stephen Morin our Grand Master Inspector, authorizing and giving him 
power to establish the Perfect and Sublime Masonry in all parts of the 
world, &c. 

We therefore request the Bros ,'. in general, to give to said Stephen 
Morin such aid and assistance as may lie in their power; and we do require 
him to act in a similar manner towards all the Bros .'. who will become 
members of his Lodge, or such as he may have admitted and constituted, 
or whom he may hereafter admit or constitute in the Sub .'. degree of 
Perfection, which we confer upon him, with full power and authority to 
create Inspectors wherever the Sublime degrees shall not be established, 
as we are well satisfied with his great information and capacity. 

In testimony whereof we have delivered these presents untp him, signed 
by the Deputy General of the Order, Grand Commander of the White 
and Black Eagle, Sov .'. Sub .*. Prince of the Royal Secret, and Chief of 
the Eminent degrees of the Royal Art ; and by us, Gr .*. Inspectors, Sub .\ 
Officers of the Grand Council and of the Grand Lodge established in this 
Capital. And we have hereunto affixed the Great Seal of our 111.*. Gr.*. 
Master, H .*. S .'. H .*., and that of our Grand Lodge and Sov .-. Grand 
Council. 



DOCUMENTS. 35 

At the Grand East of Paris, A. L. 5761, or of the Vulgar Era, August 
27th, 1761. 

Signed — Challon de Joinville, Deputy General of the Order, W.-. 
M .*. of the first Lodge in France called St. Thomas, Chief of the 
Eminent degrees, Commander and Sublime Prince of the Royal 
Secret. 

[Same signatures as in first document.] 



Extract from Lamar re^s Defence, page 16. 

He says — -" Besides the printed copies of this Patent, there is one in the 
archives of the Supreme Council of Charleston, in the original Register of 
Jean Baptiste Marie de la Hogue, copied by him from the Register of 
Hyman Isaac Long. The Register of the Brother de la Hogue is written 
throughout Manu propria^ and authenticated by his signature and that 
of Alexandre Fran9ois Auguste de Grasse Tilly, and the seal of the Sub- 
lime Grand Council of Princes of the Royal Secret at Charleston. This* 
the oldest copy within our knowledge extant, agrees substantially with 
that in Ragon, &c. 

KoTE. — It could not have been older than the original, which was 
granted in 1761, from which both Marconnay and Ragon have copied — 
the former having evidently left out one or two sentences or word?., as may 
be seen by examining the two together. 



n^ocJXjn^^Esr^T' ro'o. s. 



RAGON— ORTHODOXIE MACONNIQUE. 

l7o8. The Council of Emperors of the East and West formed at 

Paris. It consisted of Twenty-five degrees, divided into 
seven classes. The Council was formed from the ruins of the 
Chapter of Clermont, founded in 1754 by the Chevalier de 
Bonneville. 

1761. August 27th, Patent of ^^Depity Grand Inspector^^ given 

to Stephen Morin (a Jew) by the Council of the Emperors of 



36 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

the East and West. Stephen Morin's business called bim to 
St. Domingo, where be intended to propagate the " Eite of 
Perfection-" The Council of Emperors never imagined fot 
a moment that such an audacious juggler as he was, would 
take possession of the rite to make a profit out of it. They 
never dreamed that he would not only make it an article of 
traffic, but that he would remodel and modify it at Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, and introduce it, 43 years afterward into 
Paris surcharged by eight new degrees, and all attested to 
by the Illustrious Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, who 
was never received into the Ancient and Accepted Rite, and 

HAD ALL THE HIGHER DEGREES IN HORROR. He OppOSed 

them during his whole life. 
17 6 2. ^ The Council of the Emperors of the East and West, and 

Sept. 21st J the Council of Prince of the Royal Secret at Bordeaux drew 
up " Regulations of the Masonry of Heredom, or Masonry of 
Perfection, in thirty-five articles." A new Council was also 
erected, called Knights of the East. 

1766. August l7th. The Grand Lodge of France in which the 

Council had its chamber, and was in union with the same, 
being dissatisfied with the arbitrary and unmasonic proceed- 
ings of Stephen Morin, annulled his Patent, recalled his 
power, and placed the Worshipful Brother Martin in his place. 
They state, that considering the carelessness, and the various 
alterations introduced in the Royal Art by Worshipful Brother 
Morin, her late Inspector, the Worshipful Grand Lodge 
annuls the Brief of Inspector granted to said Brother Morin, 
and deems proper for the good of the Royal Art to cause 
him to be replaced by AVorshipful Brother Martin, &c. 

1 780. The Council of Emperors of the East and West, and Knights 

of the East strengthen themselves by recruiting men of low 
station, for whose money they made them Prince Masons, 
A certain number of Princes of the Royal Secret, formed 
their Supreme Council of Prince Masons, and the dignitaries 
of this Council took the title of " Grand Inspector General T 
January 2 2d. of this year, the Council of the Emperors of 
the East and West issued a circular, stating that it takes of 
its own authority the title of the " Suhlime Scotch Mother 
Lodge of the Grand French Glohe^ Sovereign Grand Lodge 



DOCUMENTS. 37 

of France^' notwithstanding the title belonged to another 
power already. 

1781. This Council would be a rival to the Grand Lodge o( 

France, and in consequence crushed herself. — She falls 
asleep. Thus goes out the Rite of Herodira. 
1784. From the broken remains of the Ancient Council of the 

Emperors of the EL\st and West, and of the Council of 
Knights of the East, there arose, with the assistance of many 
brethren of the higher degrees and officers of the Grand 
Lodge of France, a Grand Chapter General of France. 

1786. February 27th, The Grand Chapter General of France, 

united with the Grand Orient of France by treaty, by which 
it will be perceived that the Grand Orient has thus gathered 
in its hands, all the powers of these several authorities, and 
has thus become the sole possessor and the mediate successor 
to the founders of the Rite of Perfection, of the Consistory 
of Princes of the Royal Secret, and of all the Scottish system, 
Ancient and Accepted, which was practiced not only in the 
Council of the Emperors of the East and West, but also in 
the Scotch Consistories of Bordeaux, known under the title 
of " Sublime Scotch Mother Lodge " 



I>OOXT3M[E3T«i5n7 PJo. &. 



EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE GRAND LODGE OF FRANCE, 

Sitting of August l7th, 1766. 
Worthy Brother Moet, President; Gerbier, Senior Warden ; Lettu, Junior 
Warden ; Baron de Tschoudy, Master of Lodge "aS'Z. Stephen,''^ of Metz ; 
Gallart, Master of the " St. Julien " Lodge of Argental borough ; Mar- 
tin, Leroy, L' Excombart, Ledain, Lelorrain, Duplessis, Lidgeois, Joubert 
de la Bourdiuiere, Baillot, Duhoussoy, Bandson, Robbineau, Poupart, 
Borel, Richard, and others. 

The Worshipful Brother Martin read a piece of Architecture, and 
offtM-ed his thanks to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of France for 
having appointed him her Secretary for Paris, and declined on account of 
his departure for America. 



38 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Resolved, Tliat the catechisms of the various degrees shall be over- 
hauled, and rectified, and signed, and sealed, iind stamped, and then be 
delivered to Worshipful Brother Martin* 

Resolved, furthermore, that as an acknowledgment of the zeal of Wor- 
shipful Brother Martin in the several offices he has filled in our Grand 
Lodge, he shall receive a Brief of Inspettor for the Lodges of Amt.rica^ 
the title of which shall be, 

" Thai considering the carelessness, and the various alterations intro- 
duced in the Royal Art hy Worshipful Brother Morin, her late Inspec- 
tor, the Worshipful Grand Lodye annuls the Brief of Inspector granted 
to said Brother Morin, and deems proper for the good of the Royal Art, 
to cause him to he replaced hy Worshipful Brother Martin, Master of 
the St. Frederick Lodge^ and that his letters of Constitution for America 
be ratified. 



1300"OB^Ell^a"T r^o« V- 



Circular throughout the two Hemispheres, 

MIVERSI TERRAEUM ORBIS ARCHITECTONIS GLORIA AB IXGENTIS. 

Bens Jl^ttimqttc Sujg. 

Or do ah €ha&. 

From the East of the Grand and Supreme Council of the Most Puis- 
sant Sovereigns, Grand Inspectors General, under the Celestial Canopy 
of the Zenith, which answers to the 32° 45' N. L. 

To our Illustrious, Most Valiant and Sublime Princes of the Royal 
Secret, Knights of K. H., Illustrious Princes and Knights, Grand Ineffable 
and Sublime, Free and Accepted Masons of all degrees, Ancient and 
Modern, over the surface of the two hemispheres^ 

To all whom these letters shall concern : 

HEALTH, STABILITY, POWER. 

At a meeting of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General in Supreme Conn* 
cil of the Thirty-third degree, duly and lawfully established and congre- 



DOCUMENTS. 39 

gated, held at the Grand Council Chamber, on the 14th day of the Vth 
month called i*|'QJ|P 5563, Anno Lucis, 5802, and of the Christian Era, 
the 10th day of Octobei\ 1802. 

UNION, CONTENTMENT AND VflSDOM. 

The Grand Commander informed the Inspectors, that they were con^ 
vened for the purpose of takiog into consideration, the propriety of 
addressing circular letters to the different Symbolic Grand Lodges and 
Sublime Grand Lodges and Councils, throughout the two hemispheres, 
explanatory of the Origin and nature of the Sublime degrees of Masonry, 
and their establishment in South Carolina. 

When a resolution to that effect was immediately adopted, and a Com- 
mittee, consisting of the Illustrious Brethren Doctor Frederick Dalcho, 
Doctor Isaac Auld, and Emanuel De la Motta, Esq., Grand Inspectors 
General, was appointed to draft and submit such letter to the Council av 
their next meeting. 

At a meeting of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, in Supreme 
Council of the Thirty-third, &c,, &c., on the 10th day of the 8th month 
called Chisleu, 5563, A. L., 5802, and of the Christian Era, this 4th day 
of December, 1802. 

The Committee to whom was referred the foregoing resolve, respect- 
fully submitted to the Council, the following report. 

To trace the progress of Masonry from its earliest period, and to fix 
precisely, the date^ of the establishment of each of the degrees, is involved 
in much ditnculty. As Symbolic Masons, we date our origin from the 
creation of the world, when the Almighty Builder, the Grand Architect 
of the Universe, established those immutable laws, which gave rise to the 
sciences. Mutual wants and neccessities impelled our primordal brethren 
to seek for mutual assistance. Diversity of talents, genius, and pursuits, 
rendered them, in some measure, dependent on each other, and thus 
society was formed, and as a natural consequence, men of the same habits 
and dispositions, associated more intimately together, which gave rise to 
institutions connected with their designs, and suited to their genius : these 
hd to the exclusion of those whose talents, habits, and circumstances, either 
disqualified them from participating in the knowledge of the others, or 
rendered them dangerous or unprofitable to the welfare of their general 
interests. 

As civilization began to extend through the world, and the minds of 
men became enlarged from the contemplation of the works of nature, the 
Arts and Sciences were cultivated by the most ingenious of the people. 



40 SCOTTISH PJTE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

The contemplation of the Planetary system, as the work of an Almighty 
Artist, and the attributes of their God, gave rise to RELIGION, and the 
Science of Astronomy. The measurement of lanli, and the division and 
marking of their property, gave rise to Geometry, and these, collectively, 
to the Mystic Order ; and Watchwords^ Signs, and Tokens were estab- 
lished to designate the Initiated, or Admitted. 

It is, perhaps, impossible to fix precisely the time, when the first degrees 
were established in the form in which they are now given, as most of the 
Ancient records of the Craft were lost, or destroyed in England, in the 
wars of the Danes and Saxons. Much of the history of Masonry in the 
early stages, is so mixed with fable, and enveloped with the rust of time, 
that little satisfaction can be obtained ; but as we approach nearer to our 
own times, we have authentic records for our government. 

The peculiar manner in which the three first or Blue degrees are given, 
as well as the matter of them, clearly evince them to be merely symbols 
of the Superior or Sublime degrees. They were formed as the test of the 
character and capacity of the initiated, before they should be admitted to 
the knowledge of the more important mysteries. 

In the Third degree we are informed that, in consequence of the death 
of H. A., the Masters Word was lost, and that a new one, which was not 
known before the building of the Temple, was substituted in its place. If 
Masonry, as is generally beheved, and as many of our ancient records 
import, took its rise from the creation, and flourished in the first ages of 
man, they were in possession of a Secret Word, of which, the Masons 
under Solomon had no knowledge. Here then was an innovation of one 
of the fundamental principles of the Craft, and a removal of one of the 
ancient landmarks : this, however, we are unwilling to allow. It is well 
known to the Blue Master, that King Solomon and his Royal Visitor, were 
in possession of the real and pristine word, but of which, he must remain 
ignorant, unless initiated into the Sublime degrees. The authenticity of 
this mystic word, as known to us, and for which our much respected 
Master died, is proven to the most skeptic mind, from the sacred pages of 
Holy AVrit, and the Jewish history, from the earliest period of time. 
Doctor Priestly, in his letters to the Jews, has the following remarkable 
passage when speaking of the miracles of Christ — " and it has since been 
■said hj ' your writers ' that he performed his miracles by means of some 
Ineffable name of God, which he stole out of the TemjpleV Notwith- 
standing the Symbohc Masons profess their societies to have originated in 
the first ages of the world, and date from the creation, yet in their degrees 
nothing is taught them but occurrences which took place at the buildiing 



DOCUMENTS. 41 

of the first temple, (an inconsiderable period of about seven years) 2992 
years after the creation. The history of their Order, previous to that pe- 
riod, and the extensive and important improvements in the Art, both be- 
fore and since, they are unacquainted with. 

Many of the Lectures of the Sublime degrees contain an Epitome of the 
Arts and Sciences, and in their history many valuable and important facts 
are recorded, obtained from authentic archives in the possession of our 
society, and which, from the manner of their communication, can never 
be mutilated or corrupted. This is an object of the first magnitude, in a 
society, whose principles and practices should be invariable. Much variety 
and irregularity has unfortunately crept into the Blue degrees, in conse- 
quence of the want of Masonic knowledge, in many of those who preside 
over their meetings, and it is particularly so with those who are unacquaint- 
ed with the Hebrew language, in which all the words and passwords are 
given. So essentially necessary is it for a man of science to preside over 
a Lodge, that much injury may arise from the smallest deviation in the 
ceremony of initiation, or in the lectures of instruction. We read in the 
Book of Judges, that the transposition of a single point over the " Sheen," 
in consequence of a national defect among the Ephraimites, designated the 
Cowans, and led to the slaughter of Forty-two thousand. The Sublime 
figure of the Divinity formed in the Fellow Crafts degree, can be elegantly 
illustrated, only by those who possess some knowledge of the " Talmud f 
Most of the words in the Sublime degrees are derived from the Chaldean, 
Hebrew, and Latin languages. 

The various translations which the Svmbolic deo^rees have undergone 
since their first establishment, from one language to another, and that, 
oftentimes, by men illiterate even in their mother tongue, is another causo 
of the variety which we lament. Not so the Superior degrees ; they 
appear in that Sublime dress which their founders gave them, originating 
in Science, and embellished by Genius. Many of the Subhme degrees 
are founded on the polite arts, and unfold a mass of information of the 
first importance to Masons. 

Although many of the Sublime degrees are, in fact, a continuation of 
the Blue degrees, yet there is no interference between the two bodies. 
Throughout the continent of Europe and the West Indies, where they are 
very generally known, they are acknowledged and encouraged. The 
Sublime Masons never initiate any into the Blue degrees without a legal 
warrant obtained for that purpose, from a Symbolic Grand Lodge ; but 
they communicate- the secrets of the Chair to such applicants, who have 
^3ot already received it, previous to their initiation into the Sublime 



/ 



42 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Lodge, but they are at the same time informed that it does not give them 
rank as Past Masters in the Grand Lodge. 

The Subhrae Grand Lgdge, sometimes called the Ineffable Lodge, or 
Lodge of Perfection, extends from the Fourth to the Fourteenth degree 
inclusive, which last, is the degree of Perfection. The Sixteenth degree 
is the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, who hold jurisdiction over 
the Fifteenth degree, called Knights of the East, and also over the Sublime 
Grand Lodge, and it is to them what a Symbolic Grand Lodge is to the 
subordinate Lodges. Without a Warmnt and Constitution, regularly 
issued by them, or by a higher Council or Inspector, they are deemed 
irregular, and are punished, accordingly. A.ll the degrees above the 
Sixteenth are under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council of Sovereign 
Grand Inspectors General, w^ho are Sovereigns in Masonry. When it is 
necessary to establish the Sublime degrees in a country where they are 
unknown, a brother of the Twenty-ninth degree, which is called Kadosli, 
is appointed Deputy Inspector General over the District. He selects 
from among the Craft such brethren as he believes will do honor to the 
Society, and communicates the Sublime degrees to as many as is Deces- 
sary for the first orgasization of the Lodge, when they elect their own 
officers, and govern themselves by the Constitution and Warrant which 
is furnished them. The jurisdiction of a Lodge of Perfection is Twenty- 
five leagues. 

It is well known, that about twenty-seven thousand Masons accompanied 
the Christian Princes in the Crusades, to recover the Holy Land from the 
Infidels. While in Palestine, they discovered several important Masonic 
manuscripts, among the descendants of the ancient Jews, which enriched 
our archives with authentic written records, and on which some of our 
degrees are founded. 

In the years 5304 and 5311, some very extraordinary discoveries were 
made, and occurrences took place, which renders the Masonic history of 
that period of the highest importance — a period dear to the Mason's heart, 
who is zealous in the cause of his order, his country, and his God. 

Another very important discovery was made in the year 5553, of a 
record in Syrian characters, relating to the most remote antiquity, and 
from which it would appear that the world is many thousand years older 
than given by the Mosaic account; an opinion entertained by many of the 
learned. Few of these characters were translated until the reign of our 
Illustrious and Most Enlightened Brother, Frederick IL, King of Prussia, 
whose well known zeal for the Craft, was the cause of much improvement 
in the society over which he condescended to preside. 



As society improved, aud as discoveries of old records Were made, the 
h umber of our degrees were increased j until, in progress of time, the sys^ 
tern became complete. 

From such of our records as are mithenticj We are informed of tha 
establishment of the Sublime and InefHible degrees of Masonry in Scot^ 
land, France and Prussia, immediately after the Crusades. But from some 
circumstances, which to us are unknov/n, after the year 4658 they fell into 
neglect until the year 5744, when a nobleman from Scotland visited 
France, and re-established the Lodge of Perfection in Bordeaux^ 

In 6761, the Lodges and Councils of the Superior degrees being 
Bxtended throughout the continent of Europe, His Majesty the King of 
Prussia, as Grand Commander of the order of Princes of the Royal Secret^ 
was acknowledged by all the Craft, as the head of the Sublime and Inef- 
fable degrees of Masonry throughout the two hemispheres. His Royal 
Highness, Charles, Hereditary Prince of the Swedes, Goths and Vandals^ 
Duke of Sudermania, Heir of Norway, &c., &c., was, and still continues^ 
the Grand Commander and Protector of the Sublime Masons in Sweden • 
and His Royal Highness^ Louis of Bourbon, Prince of the Blood, Duke 
of Chartres, &c., &c., and the Cardinal Prince Bishop of Rouen, were at 
the head of those degrees in France. 

On the 25th of October, 5762, the Grand Masonic Constitutions were 
ratified in Berlin, and proclaimed for the government of all the Lodges 
of SubHme and Perfect Masons, Chapters, Councils, Colleges and Consis- 
tories of the Royal and Military Art of Free Masonry, over the surface of 
the two hemispheres. Thei'e are Secret Constitutions, which have existed 
from time immemorial, and are alluded to in these instruments. 

In the same year the Constitutions were transmitted to our Illustrious 
Brother, Stephen Morin, who had been appointed on the 27th of August, 
5761, Inspector General over all Lodges, &c., &c,, in the New World, by 
the Grand Consistory of Princes of the Royal Secret, convened in Paris j 
at which presided the King of Prussia's deputy, Challon de Joinvillej 
Substitute General of the Order, Right "Worshipful Master of the first 
Lodge in Ffance, called St. Anthony's, Chief of the Eminent degrees) 
Commander and Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, &c.j &Ci 

The following Illustrious brethreh were also present i 

The Brother Prince of Rouejt, Master of the Gratid tntelligenco 
Lodge, and Sovereign Prince of Masonry, <fec. 

Lacorne, substitute of the Grand Master, Right Worshipful Master o< 
Trinity Lodge, Grand, Elect, Perfect) Knight and Prince of MasonSj ikcu 



U SCOTTISH M'TE, ANGIENT AND ACCEFTEI); 

Maximllian de St. Simon, Senior G-rand Warden, Grand, Elect, Per- 
fect, Knigbt and Prince of Masons, (fee. 

Lavalette de Buchelay, Grand Keeper of the Seals, Grand, Electa 
Peifect, Knight and Pnnce of Masons, &g. 

Duke de Choiseuil, Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge of the 
Children of Glory, Grand, Elect, Perfect, Master, Knight and Prince of 
Masons, &c,. 

TopiN, Grand Ambassador from His Serena Highness, Grand, Elect^ 
Perfect, Master, Knight and Prince of Masons, &c. 

Boucher de Lenoncour, Righ^t Worshipful, Master of the Lodge of 
Virtue, Grand, Elect, Perfect, Master, KnigJit and Prince of Masons, &c„ 

Brest de la Chausee, Right Worshipful Master of the Exactitude 
Lodge, Grand, Elect, Perfect, Master, Knight and Prince of Masons, &c. 

The Seals of the Order were affixed and the Patent countersigned by 
Daubertain, Grand, Elect, Perfect, Master, Knight and Prince of Masons,, 
Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge of St. Alphonso, Grand Secretary 
of the Grand Lodge and Sublime Council of Princes of Masons, &c. 

When Brother Morin arrived in St. Domingo, he, agreeably to bis- 
Patent, appointed a Deputy Inspector General for North America. That 
high honor was conferred on Brother M. M. Hayes, with the power of 
appointing others where necesary. Brother Morin also appointed Brother 
Frankin Deputy Inspector General for Jamaica and the British Leeward 
Islands, and Brother Colonel- Provost for the Windward Islands, and the 
British Army. 

Brother Hayes appointed Brother Isaac Da Costa, Deputy Inspector 
General for the State of South Carolina, who, in the year 5783, estabhshed 
the Subhme Grand Lodge of Perfection in Charleston. After Brother 
Da Costa's death. Brother Joseph Meyers was appointed Deputy Inspector 
General for this State by Brother Hayes, who, also^ had previously 
appointed Brother Colonel Solomon Bush, Deputy Inspector General for 
the State of Pennsylvania, and Brother Barend M. Spitzer to the same 
rank for Georgia, which was confirmed By a Convention of Inspectors 
when convened in Philadelphia, on the 15th of June, 1781. 

On the 1st of May, 5786, the Grand Constitution of the Thirty-third 
degree, called the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors Gene- 
ral, was finally ratified by His Majesty the King of Prussia, who, as Grand 
Commander of the order of Princes of the Royal Secret, possessed the 
Sovereign Masonic power over all the Craft. In the new ConstitutioQ 
this high power was conferred on a Supreme Council of nine brethren ir,. 
each nation, who possess all the Masonic prerogatives in their own dis- 



DOCUMENTS.. 45 

fhicft, that His Majesty individually possessed, and are Sovereigns of 
Masonry. 

On the 20th of February, 5788, the Grand Council of Princes of 
Jerusalem was -opened m this city, at which were present, Brother L 
Meyers, D .•. I .*. G /. for South Carolina ; Brother B. M. Spitzer, J) .*. 
I .'. G .'. for Georgia ; and Brother A. Frost, D /. I /. G /. for Virginia. 
Soon after the opening of the Council, a letter was addressed to His 
Eoyal Highness the Duke of Orleans, on the subject, requesting certain 
records from the archives of the Society in France, which, in his answer 
through Colonel Shee, his secretary, he very pohtely promised to transmit, 
but which the commencement of the French Revolution most unfortu- 
nately prevented. 

On the 2d of August, 5*795, Brother Colonel John Mitchell, late 
Deputy Quai'term aster General in the Armies of the United States, was 
made a Deputy Inspector General for this State by Brother Spitzer, who 
acted in consequence of Brother Meyers' removal out of the country. 
Brother Mitchell was restricted from acting until after Brother Spitzer's 
death, which took place in the following year. 

As many brethren of eminent degrees had arrived from foreign parts, 
Consistories of Princes of the Royal Secret were xDCcasionally held for 
initiations and other purposes. 

On the 31st May, 5801, the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third 
degree, for the United States of America, was opened with the high 
honors of Masonry, by Brothers John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho, 
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General ; and in the course of the prese»it 
year the whole number of Grand Inspectors General was completed 
agreeably to the Grand Constitutions. 

On the 2 1st of January, 5802, a warrant of Constitution passed the 
Seal of the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, for the establishmenr, 
of a Master Mark Masons Lodge in this city. 

On the 21st of February, 6802, our Illustrious Brother, Count Alex- 
.andre Francois Auguste de Grasse, Deputy Inspector General, was 
appointed by the Supreme Council a Grand Inspector General and Grand 
Commander of the French West Indies ; and our Illustrious Brother, 
Jean Baptiste Marie de la Hogue, Deputy Inspector General, was also 
received as an Inspector General, and appointed Lieutenant Grand Com- 
Kiander of tha same islands. 

On the 4th of December, 5S02, a warrant of Constititution passed the 
Seal of the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, for the establishmen.t. 
of A SttUiHje 'Gran- ' Lodge m Savannah, Georgia. 



46 



SCOTTISH EITK ANCIENT AND ACCEPTEI>. 



The Names of the Masonic Degrees arc a& follows, Ylz.t 



1st degree, 


called Entered Apprentice. ) 






2d 


a 


u 


Fellow Craft. V Given in a Symbohc Lodge. 


3d 


u 


li 


Master Mason. ) 




4th 


u 


u. 


Secret Master. 






5th 


a 


u 


Perfect Master. 






6th 


a 


a 


Intimate Secretary. 






tth 


u 


(( 


Provost and Judge. 






8th 


u 


u. 


Intendant of the Building. 
Elected Knights of 9. 
Illustrious Elected of 15. 






9th 
10th 


a. 


it 


Givea in the Sublime 
Lodge, 


nth 


u 


u. 


Sublime Knights Eleeteds. 






12th 


ti. 


a. 


Grand Master Architect,. 






13th 


u. 


u 


Royal Arch. 






14th 


a 


u 


Perfection. 






loth 


a 


a 


Knight of the East. Given by the Princes of Jerusa» 
Prince of Jerusalem. km— the governing Council 


16th 


a. 


u 


17th 


u 


u 


Knight of the East and West. 




18 th 


iL 


u 


Sovereign Prince of Rose Croix de Heroden. 


o 


19th 


u 


u 


Grand PontiF. 


o 


20th 


u. 


a 


Grand Master of all Symbolic Lodges. 




31st 


a. 


u 


Patriarch Noachite, or Chevalier Prussien. 


l-H O 


22d 


u 


4.6. 


Prince of Libanas. 


1^' 


2.3d 


((. 


U. 


Chief of the Tabernacle. 


O "o 


24th 


u 


C( 


Prince of the Tabernacle. 


^1 s 


25th 


a 


a 


Prince of Mercy. 


26th 


u 


a 


Knight of the Brazen Serpeni. 




27th 


u> 


u 


Comraander of the Temple.. 


28th 


u 


u 


Knight of the Sun.. 




29th 


tt 


u 


K.-. H.-. 


'^i 


30th 


a 


« 


) 


IS<- 

■ C 


31st 


u 


a. 


f Prince of the Royal Beeret. PHnees of Masons.. 


■5 


S2d 


a 


u 


) J 




33d 


« 


u 


Sovereio'n Grand Inspeeto 


r General,-— Offie< 


2rs ap- 



pointed for life. 

Besides those degrees, which are in regular succession, most of the Inspec- 
tors are in possession of a number of detached degrees, given in diflferent 
parts of the world, and which they generally communicate, free of expense^, 
to those- brethren who are hisrh enouirh to undferstaml them : such as- 



POCUMKNTS. 47 

Select Masous of Twenty-seven, and the Royal Arch as given under tlio 
Constitution of Dublin ; six degrees of Magonnerie d' Adoption, Corapag- 
non Ecossais, le Maitre Ecossais, and le Grand Maitre Ecossais, <fee., &c., 
making in the aggregate fifty-two degrees. 

The Committee respectfully submit to the consideration of the Council, 
the above report, on the principles and establishment of the Sublimo 
degrees in South Carolina, extracted from the archives of the Society. 
They cannot, however, conclude without expressing their ardent wishes for 
the prosperity and dignity of the Institutions over which this Supreme 
Council presides ; and they flatter themselves that, if any unfavorable 
impressions have existed among their brethren of the Blue degrees, from 
the want of a knowledge of the principles and practices of Sublime 
Masonry, it will be done away, and that harmony and affection will be 
the happy cement of the Universal Society of Free and Accepted Masons. 
That as all aim at the improvement of the general condition of mankind, 
by the practice of virtue and the exercise of benevolence, so they sincerely 
wish that any little differences that may have arisen, in unimportant 
ceremonies of Ancient and Modern, may be reconciled, and give way to 
the original principles of the Order, those great bulwarks of society, 
universal benevolence and brotherly love, and that the extensive fraternitj'-. 
of Free Masons throughout the two hemispheres may form one band of 
brotherhood. " Behold, how good, and how pleasant it is, for brethren to 
^well together in unity." 
They res!>ectfully salute your Supreme Council by the Sacred Numbers, 
Charleston, South Carolina, the tenth day of the eighth mouth, called 
Chislieu, 5563, A. L. 5802 ; and of the Christian Era, this fourth day of 
December, 1805. 

Fbederick Dalcho, K:. H.'., P.*. R .-. S /.j 
Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 
Thirty-third, and Lieutenant Grand Com* 
mander in the United States of America, 

Isaac Auld, K .'. H .'., P .-. R .-. S /., Sovereign 
Grand Inspector General of the Thirtv- 
third. 

E. UE LA MoTTA, K .'. II .'., P .'. R /. g /., Sove^ 

reign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty- 
third, and Illustrious Treasurer General of 
the H/. EraDire. 



48 SCOTTISH PJTE, ANCIENT AND ACCErrJUll. 

The above report was taken into consideration, and the Council was 
pleased to express the highest approbation of the same. 

Whereupon Resolved^ that the foregoing Report be printed and trans- 
mitted to all the Sublime and Symbolic Grand Lodges throughout tbe 
two hemispheres. 

Signed : J. Mitchell, K .*. H .'., P /, R :. S .*., Sovereign 

Grand Inspector General of the Thirty -third, 
and Grand Commander in the United States 
of America. 
Tree extract from the deliberations of the Council. 

Ab. Alexander, K.-. H.*., P.-. R.*. S.'., Sove 
reign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty- 
third, and Illustrious Secretary General of 
the H .•. Empire. 

Seal of the Supreme Council \ 

of the h 

Thirty-third. > 

Hens J^ettmque Jusr, 



KEMAKKS. 

Although we have reviewed this notable document in full in the body 
of the history, yet there are some matters which have not been mentioned 
there, which we shall refer to here in the way of general remarks. 

It will be observed in the first place, that this body assumes jurisdiction 
over the whole of the United States, basing its claims upon the Secret 
Constitutions of Frederick, which they state, authorizes but " On^ Supreme 
Cbii?2a7" in 'each nation, to be composed of Nine brethren, &c., see 
page 44 of this document. 

But in 1813^ they pretend to establish another Supreme Council in 
New York City which they style the " Supreme Council for the North- 
ern Jurisdiction^'' at the same time taking to themselves the title of 
" Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction^ And forthwith the 
Secret Constitutions, as they say, reads that there shall be two Supreme 
Councils in the United States, viz., one for the North, and the other for 
the South. See Secret Constitutions, Article 5th, Doc. No. 28. 

Again, By examining the Schedule of the degrees which form the new 
rite, and over which they claim to have exclusive control, it will be found 



DOCUMENTS. 49 

that the " three first degrees^'' viz., Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and 
Master Mason, are among the number. And at their commencement 
as a Supreme body they did attempt to control these degrees, but in 
consequence of the diflSculty which at once sprung up between the Grand 
Lodge of South CaroHna and themselves, they stated that they " waived " 
their right in this respect, and dropped them for the time being. But 
they declare that it is only a " waiver," not an entire renunciation — that 
they have power to take them again whenever they shall please to do so, 
in the face of any authority that may be brought against them. See De 
La Motta's Replication, Doc. No. 19. 

The Secret Constitutions require that these degrees be the foundation 
of the rite, and make it just as obligatory upon the governing body, to 
rule those degrees, as any other in the Schedule. According to that 
instrument, they had no right whatever to waive their claim, or relinquish 
any of the degrees. See Sec. Inst., Doc. 28. 

These Constitutions, Institutes, &c., made and ratified by Frederick, as 
they say, on May 1st, 1786, specify all the degrees by name and num- 
ber, which shall constitute the rite. They require the degree of " Sove- 
reign Commander of the Temple " shall be the Twenty -seventh of the 
system. Eemember, this was written, as they say, in 1786. x\nd yet, 
in 1797, eleven years subsequent to the making of these Constitutions, 
we find that this degree is not known to the rite, but is actually being 
conferred in the city of Charleston as a detached degree, by Henri Mont- 
main. It was conferred as such, as late as 1799, De Grasse, De la 
Hogue, and many others, who were Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret 
and members of the body at Charleston some years before, received it as 
a detached degree at that time, and their Patents for it are to be found 
in the Archives at Charleston. It never was known to them before, and 
never made its appearance in the system, until the year 1802. They 
were pleased with the degree, they purchased it of Montmain and it 
was placed in the Secret Institutes after the year 1800. 

This degree, together with the " Chief of the Tabernacle,''' " Priiice of 
the Tabernacle,''' " Prince of Mercy, ^^ " Knight JEcoss'ais,''^ and " Sove- 
reign Judge Commander^'' were never known in Europe, nor in this coun- 
try, before the establishment of this rite in 1802, and they challenge tlic 
production of any ritual (proper) of these degrees. Now if this be tru(.*, 
how, we ask, could they appear in the Institutes of 1786 ? sixteen years 
before any one in Europe knew anything about their existence. 

Again, The Institutes have left vacant the Nineteenth and Twenty- 
fourth degrees, and doubled or called twice for the Twentv-ninth, thus 



50 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

making the number of tlie degrees thirty, instead of thirty-three, (see 
Latin certified copy, Doc. No. 28). The founders of this body have 
placed the Grand Pontiff as the Nineteenth, according to Morin's hst — 
K^dosh as Twenty-ninth, the Prince of the Royal Secret they have divided 
into three, making of it the Thirtieth, Thirty-first, and Thirty-second, leav- 
ing out altogether the " Knight Ecossai " and " Sovereign Judge Com- 
mander.^^ The Institutes require Kadosh to be the Thirtieth, the ^'■Knight 
Ecossai " to be the Twenty-ninth, and the " Sovereign Judge Com- 
mander " to be the Thirty-first. These errors were not corrected until 
the year 1822, when they appeared in a pamphlet, published by Joseph 
McCos\ entitled ^''Documents on Sublime Free Masonry.'''' By refer- 
ring to De La Motta's Replication, published in 1814, Doc. No. 19, it will 
be seen that these errors are kept up on almost every page. 

Again, All the documents deposited in the Charleston Council, show 
clearly, that up to the year 1801, the highest degree known was the 
Twenty-fifth of the Rite of Perfection. And the government was based 
upon the Constitution of 1762. The Patents of De Grasse de la Hogue, 
Aveilhe, Mitchell, Dalcho, &c., all clearly prove this up to 1801. 

But in 1802 we find them Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the 
Thirty -third degree. There does not appear to have been any one present 
who was either possessed of this degree or properly authorized to confer 
it upon others. Neither Hays, nor Long, nor Forst, nor Bush, nor any 
of the party, claim higher than Kadosh^ and Prince of the Royal Secret. 
And yet it is stated, that the Council was opened in ample form., and 
the degree was conferred on certain parties. There has never yet been 
given any information upon this subject. 

In conclusion, we would state, some few inferences drawn from the 
foregoing, viz., That it appears to be very clear that they were not in 
possession of what they call the " Secret Constitutions " ratified by Fred- 
erick, when they manufactured the new rite in 1801. If they were in 
possession of them, where did they get them ? They were never known 
in Europe before the year 1804, and in this country before the year 1802. 
But supposing all they say to be true, there would have elapsed a period 
of fifteen or sixteen years, between the ratification by Frederick, and their 
arrival here, during which no one in Europe or America had ever heard 
anything about them. They are said to have turned up in Charleston 
at that time, very much damaged by Sea water and Attrition, but 
nevertheless sufficiently legible for them to found and establish the new 
rite, for which these articles gave them authority. Having them in 
possession, why did they not follow the directions which they gave ? Why 



\_ 



DOCUMENTS. 51 

did tliey leave out entirely, two of tlie degrees, displace otliere, and put 
n degrees which those statutes did not call for ? The simple truth is, 
that they had not the Constitutions at that time — >they had not yet 
manufactured them. 

As it regards Frederick IL, we deem it unnecessary to say anything 
further than we have already said in the history. He was not the Com- 
mander of the degree of the Prince of the Royal Secret., he had nothing 
CO do with the Secret Constitutions of 1*786, and the whole story con- 
cerning both Frederick and the Secret Constitutions, together with the 
subject matter of the document, is the veriest humbug that was ever 
palmed off upon the Masonic fraternity. 



IDOOTTlMCES3>a-"T' ISlQ, e. 



Ragon^ in his Orthodoxie Magonnique, page 164, 165, 166, and 167, 
gives a pretty full account of this rite. It is denominated 

PRIMITIVE RITE, 

OR 

RITE OF THE PHILADELPHI OF NARBONNE. 

This rite was invented and establisnea at Narbonne on the l9th April, 
1780, by certain pretended Superiors General, Greater and Lesser, of the 
Order of the Free and Accepted- Masons — such are the terms of the 
Patent of Constitutions of the rite. It was attached to the Lodge des 
Philadelphes under the title of ''First Lodge of St. John loorhing the 
Primitive Rite in the country of France,'' and in which Lodge it ranked 
Masonicallyfrom the 27th of December, 1779, the day of its application 
for annexation. The Lodge des Philadelphes printed in 1790 at the end 
of the list of its members, a curious fragment entitled " General notion as 
to the character and object of the primitive right" in which are found 
precise and detailed information in regard to the system of this regime. 

It is formed by three classes of Masons, who receive Ten degrees of 
instruction. The classes or degrees do not designate such or such cra<U< 



SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



but are the generic names of collections wliich need only to be developed 
to the utmost degrees of which they are capable, in order to evolve an 
almost infinite number of degrees. Thus the six first degrees indicate tlie 
knowledge of the grades analogous to those which they compose, that is 
to say, 



First Glass. 



Third Class. 



Second Class. ^ 



1. Apprentice. 

2. Fellow Craft. \ in all the rites. 

3. Master. 

/ Perfect Master. 

4. Under the title of J Elect. 

( Architect. 

5. Under the title of -j Sublime Ecossais. 
Knight of the Sword. 



6. Under the title of -^ Knight of the East. 
( Prince of Jerusalem. 

First Chapter of Rose Croi^f. — It possesses those 
branches of knowledge, which in some regimes settle 
the Masonic worship, and attract the veneration of a 
great many respectable brethren. 

Second Chapter of Rose Croix. — It is the depository 
of historical documents, very curious in their kind, con 
nection and variety. 

Third Chapter of Rose Croix. — -It occupies itself 
with all that Masonic, Physical and Philosophical 
■{ knowledge whose products can have an influence upon 
the material and moral well being of temporal man. 

Fourth and last Chapter, called Chapter of the 
Brothers Rose Croix, or the Grand Rosary. It assid- 
uously studies the Specialities, Ontology — the Science 
of Existence — Psychology, Pnuematology, in a word, 
all the branches of those sciences which are termed 
occult or secret. Their special object being to restore 
the intellectual man to, and reinstate him in, his rank 
and his primitive rights. 



MU 



DOCUMENTS. 



33O0XJiM:Ei:KrT Kro» ©>. 



te 



voucher- 
Translation of the original Document from the German language,, 
deposited in the Grand East of France, by 111 .'. Bro .*. Le Blanc de 
Marconnay. 

Orient, New Yoi-k. 
Most learned Brother ; 
We thank you very much for your obliging letter of May 25th, and 
for the information it contains about the situation of the Royal Art in 
America. You desire to receive from us, . 
First, A history concerning the establishment, the progress, and the 

actual situation of Masonry in our East. 
Second, The tablets which were printed by the superior authorities and 

by the Lodges thereto belonging. 
Third, A copy of the publications which took place. 

In order to comply with your wishes, it would be necessary for you to 
cover the expenses by a credit, as they are far above our means. But in 
order to satisfy you as much as is in our power without exceeding the 
limits of a simple letter, and as a token of our gratitude towards you for 
the interesting information you have communicated to us, we will only 
say that our " National Grand Lodge " had been founded under the 
auspices of Frederick the Great, first Mason and Grand Master in his 
Empire, on the 13th September, 1740. She has now ninety -nine 
daughter Lodges, and is composed of the Representatives of said Lodges, 
but she is not in the dependency or under the jurisdiction of any other 
foreign Lodge, and exists only under the protection of our August King, 
who confides entirely in her as authorized Mason — ■first, free, legislative 
and administrative. She is the centre of all her daughters, who are all 
devoted to her. 

As it. regards the opinions prevailing among you, we hereby inform 
you, that Frederick the Great is partly the author of the system adopted 
l,>y our Lodge, but that he never interfered with her affairs, or prescribed 
any lavjs to the Masons over whom he extended his protection through-, 
out his estates. 

Our Grand Lodge confines her jurisdiction to the *' BIkc degrees of St, 



U SCOTTiSH Un% AKClENf AND ACCEPTED. 

xlokny A Special Committee, composed of members elected by tlin 
brethren, and called Supreme Interior East, directs the v/ork of the higher 
degrees, which do not exceed Seven. 

The Scottish Lodge of this interior East is presided oter by a Superior 
Scotch Master Mason, has jurisdiction over all the Scotch Lodges united 
with the Lodge of St. John, and forms a total with them all. 

We recognise as a superior authority the old Scotch Directory, which 
is foitned by elections in the Grand Lodge, concurs in the legislative acts^ 
and puts into execution the resolutions of the Grand Lodge. 

Such is the state of things here, and all that is reported or rumored 
among you about the enactments, ordinances, and laws of Frederick the 
Great, and of a Superior Senate or body which must exist, has no founda-- 
tion in truth whatever. 

Independent of this Grand Lodge (the old Scotch Directory of the 
National Grand Lodge of the " Tkre^ Globes ") we have in Berlin two 
other Grand Lodges or " Grand Easts '^ equally recognised and provided 
with Royal privileges as well as our own, viz., 

The National Grand Lodge of Germany, and 
The Grand Royal York Lodge of " Friendships^ 
Each one of these Grand Lodges has a certain number of subordinate 
lodges, and it is a Hational law that none can exist in this kingdom unless 
they are subordinate to and united with these three Grand Lodges. 

We recognize these two Grand Lodges as truly regular Masonic bodies 
as is our own, and we live with them in perfect harmony notwithstanding 
the difference of usages and forms existing between us. 

We salute you with esteem and fraternal love by three times three* 
Berhn, August lYth, 1833. 

The old Scotch Directory of the Kational Grand Lodge of the *' TkreB 
tJlohesr 

Signed, Poselger, National Grand Master, 

Kalze, Senior Warden, 
Maztorff, Dibderichs, Dallemat^w and Bernhae13« 



DOCUMENTS 55 



x>ocTTi^Esi>a""r' r^Jo. xo. 



FREDERICK THE GREAT 

THE SCOTTISH RITE. 

From the New York Dispatch, August dlst 186L 

The articles on this subject, in our issues of August 10th, 17th and 
24th, having awakened considerable attention among the brethren of the 
Ancient and Accepted Rite, we have been induced to make some farther 
investigation into the historical facts connected with the subject, and now 
submit the result of our researches. Before endeavoring to show how and 
when the name of Frederick the Great became so closely connected with 
the so-called higher degi'ees of the Scottish Kite, it will be necessary to 
review, briefly, his Masonic life, which we have condensed from the official 
proceedings of the centennial celebration of the initiation of Frederick the 
Great, King of Prussia, into the fraternity of Free Masons, by the Grand 
National Mother Lodge of the Prussian [States, called of the Three 
Globes, &c,. Berhn, 1838, 

Frederick IL, when Crown-Prince of Prussia, was secretly initiated at 
Brunswick, on the night of the 14th of August, 1738, by a deputation 
from a Lodge at Hamburg, which had been constituted the year previous 
by the Grand Lodge of England, and which in 1740 adopted the dis- 
tinctive title of "Absalom." In 1740, a few days after his accession to 
the throne, Frederick openly declared that he was a Free Mason, and 
instituted a Lodge at Charlottenburg, over which he presided as Master. 
In this Lodge he initiated his brother, the Prince William of Prussia, the 
Margrave Charles, the Duke of Holstein-Beck, and the brother of the 
latter, Captain. Von Mollendorf. He continued to hold his Lodge alter- 
nately at Charlottenburg, at his palace in Berlin, and at Rhcinfels. Under 
Frederick's auspices. Masonry made rapid progrees, and on the 13th of 
December, 1740, four brethren, by royal authority, instituted another 
liodge, which took the name of " The Three Globes." Frederick, him- 
self, never presided over this Lodge, although he was considered as its 
Grand Master, The King's own Lodge had no particular title, but in tbo 



56 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCJIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

procoedings of the Lodge of the Thi-ee Globes we find it styled tijc " Loge 
Premiere," or '" Noble Lodge." About the middle of 1743, in conse- 
quence of the Silesian war, and Frederick's entire attention being engrossed 
by affairs of State, the " Loge Premiere "ceased its meetings entirelj', and 
most of its members affiliated with the Lodge of the Three Globes. The 
latter had begun some two years before to grant Charters for subordinate 
Lodges, and in 1744 adopted the style of a Grand Lodge, and by royal 
authority assumed the title of " Grand Mother Lodge of the Three 
(i lobes." With this period concludes the active participation of Frederick 
in Masonry, although it is not to be denied that he always continued to 
be the firm friend and protectot of the fraternity. On the 29th of Janu- 
ary, 1777, the Lodge of the Three Globes addressed a letter to the King, 
soliciting his portrait for the Lodge, and this letter was signed by Frede^ 
rick of Brunsioick^ National Gi-'and Master, and nephew of Frederick the 
Great:. The king's reply is dated on the following day, and concludes 
with the following postcript, in his own hand-writing: " Vous allez done 
devenir le grand prieur des franc-ma9ons a Berlin, comme le prince Ferdi- 
nand I'est dans le St. empire Romain." 

VnncQ FredericTc of Brunswick was elected, in 1772, as National Grand 
Master of the Grand National Mother Lodge of the Prussian States (Three 
Globes) and its subordinates, which office he retained until 1797. He 
was also an active and zealous member of the High degrees of the Strict 
Observance System, his title in that order being "Eques a Leone Aureo." 
We thus find two contemporary personages, Frederick II. and Frederick 
of Brunswick^ the latter of whom was notorious for dabbling in the so- 
called Higher degrees of Masonry, with which the continent of Europe 
was then flooded. 

In the series of degrees Contained in the Ancient and Accepted Rite, 
we find the Twenty-first degree, called the ^^ NoacUte or Prussian 
KniffhC The ritual of this degree has been published in the following 
works, viz. : 

A. "Les plus secrets mysteres des hauts grades de la Mayonnerie 
devoiles, etc." (Published at Berlin, by Haude & Spener.) And this is 
the first printed ritual of the degree. 

B. *' Allerneueste Entdeckung der verborgensten Geheimnisse der hohen 
Stuften der Freimaurerei Jerusalem, 1768." (Likewise published at 
}^>erlin by Haude & Spener) and which is a German translation of A. 

C. "Recueil precieux de la Maconnerie Adonhiramite : Paris, 1787.'^ 
Each of these three rituals commences with the following words : " The 
very ancient order of Noachites, known under the name of Prussian 



::5S^ 



DOCUMENTS. 57 

Knights, translated from the German by Mr. de Berage, Knight of Elo- 
quence of the Lodge of M. de Saint-Gillair, Commander Lieutenant, 
Inspector General of the Prussian Lodges in France in the year of the 
Order 4658." 

The ritual contained in A states that, " The Grand Master General of 
the Order, who is styled Knight Grand Commander, is the Very Illustri- 
ous Brother, Frederick of Bnmsivick, King of Prussia, &c." That in B 
calls him Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, while that in C calls him 
Frederick William, King of Prussia. Thus we find here three separate 
personages claimed as Grand Masters. 

We have in our possession a manuscript ritual of the degree, copied 
from a certified copy in the archives of the Charleston Council, which 
corresponds almost literally with the printed rituals above quoted. The 
Grand Master of the Order is styled " the thrice illustrious brother Fred- 
erick of Brunswick, King of Prussia, but the word accompanying the 
" sign of entrance " is given as ^'Frederick Iliy This password we do 
not find in any of the printed rituals nor in any of the numerous " Tui- 
leui-s " of the higher degrees. The " Tuileur Portatif, Paris, 1846," the 
"Manuel Mayonnique of Vuillaume, Paris, 1820," the German edition 
of the latter, " Maurerisches Handbuch, Leipzig, 1828," and the "Tui- 
leur of Delaulnaye, Paris, 1821," all give the word ^'•Frederick Deux^ 
The last named work states that " the Knight Commander Lieutenant 
represents Frederick II. King of Prussia." 

" Carhles Manuel " contains a ritual of the " Masonic degree of Noa- 
chites or Prussian Knights," in which no mention is made of Frederick. 

In 1768, John Holt, of New York, published a work containing a 
ritual of " The Order of Noachites or Chevaliers Prussian," which, being a 
reprint of a London copy, we presume to be same with the work entitled 
" Salomon in all his Glory, or, the Master Mason, being a true guide to 
the inmost recesses of Free Masonry, both ancient and modern ; contain- 
ing a minute account of the proceedings, etc., by T. W. Translated from 
the French Original, published at Berlin and hurnl by order of the King 
of Prussia at the intercession of the Free Masons. London, printed for 
G. Robinson and J. Eoberts, 1766," with three plates. Another edition 
of 1768. Judging from the extracts given by Fellows in his "Exposi- 
tion," page 352, it would appear to be an entirely different degree, and 
has no reference to Frederick. 

As regards the origin of the degree, most Masonic writers state that 
the Order of Noachites was introduced at Paris in 1757, by M. de bt. 



58 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Gelaire. (Leveque, page 56. Thory, Acta Lat. Vol. 1, page '74. Vas- 
sal, page 436. Vidal, Fezandie, page 145.) 

Mackey says that the Order of Noachites was established in Prussia in 
1755, and inducted into France by the Count St. Gelaire in 1757. KIoss 
states that in 1756 the "Chapter of Knights of the East" was instituted 
at Paris. Their system at first consisted of six degrees, the last of which 
was the Noachite or Prussian Knight. These degrees were subsequently 
carried to Berlin, and were practiced by the Grand Lodge Royal York of 
Friendship until the period of Fessler's Masonic reform. 

After the establishment of the " Emperors of the East and West " at 
Paris, 1758, the Six degrees were included in their system of Twenty -five 
degrees, afterward known as the Rite of Perfection, and which, with eight 
additional degrees, added hy the Charleston Council, composed the rite 
now known as the "Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite."' 

Ragon and Kloss both agree that the degrees of the " Chapter of 
Knights of the East" were composed by the Baron de Tschoudy, the 
author of the work entitled "X' Etoile Flamhoyanter This is confirmed 
by the fact that one of the editions of Tschoudy's work above-mentioned 
contains two small woodcuts, representing the jewel and armorial bearings 
of the Noachites, although nothing is said of the degree in his book ; and 
yet these woodcuts are precisely similar to those contained and described 
in the rituals A and B before-mentioned. 

There seems also to have been some connection between this degree of 
" Noachite " and the system of " African Architects," founded at Berlin 
about 1756, by Charles Frederick Koppen, and the Fifth degree of which 
was called the " Aletophilote, or Lover of Truth ; " for in the German 
ritual B, part 2, page 67, we find an " account of the Noachites or Prus- 
sian Knights," which says that " In the beginning of the institution, this 
degree, which is one of the most pre-eminent of Free Masonry, was called 
Societas Aletophilorum, or Lovers of Truth.'''' 

In view of these facts, we are justified in drawing the conclusion that 
the degree of the " Noachite " was composed by the Baron de Tschoudy, 
probably taking the " Aletophilote " of the African Architects as a basis ; 
that he carried it to Paris, to the Chapter of Knights of the East, from 
whence it again returned to Berlin ; that Tschoudy adopted Frederick of 
Brunswick as Grand Master of the Order, and that subsequently the 
name of Frederick the Great was substituted ; and from this hint have 
originated all the idle stories about Frederick's connection with the Anc .*. 
and Ace .'. Scottish Rite. 



DOCUMENTS. 59 



APPENDAGE TO DOCUMENT 10. 



The following document has just been received from the ''''Grand Lodge 
of the Three Globes " at Berlin, and appeared in the Saturday Evening 
Courier^ March 15th, 1862, N. Y. a document of great importance, and 
as such we commend it to the attention of the reader : 

THE SPCRIOUSNESS OF TPIE SO-CALLED CONSTITUTIONS, <feC., OF 1786, 
ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN GRANTED BY FREDERICK II., PROVEN. 

In our issue of the 26th of October last, we stated that the Grand 
Lodge of the " Three Globes," at Berlin, was investigating the alleged 
connection of Frederick XL, of Prussia, with the so-called " Constitutions, 
&c.," of 1*786, and would shortly issue \\s> jprotocol on the subject. 

These Statutes, Regulations, &c., as translated by Albert Pike, in our 
opinion, bore internal evidence of their spuriousness, and we have on all 
proper occasions denied their authenticity. The last steamer from Europe 
brought us the result of the investigations of the Grand Lodge of the 
"Three Globes," as contained in its Protocol of Dec 19th, 1861, which 
fully sustains us ; and as the promulgation of so thorough an investiga- 
tion is due to the truth of history, we trust our contemporaries will give 
publicity to the same. The Protocol as translated, is as follows : 

" 13. The Grand Master stated that W .-. Brother Mei'zdorff, of Olden- 
burg, the highly estimated honorary member of the Grand Lodge, had 
sent to the 'Directory of the Order,' (Bundes Directorium,) a lengthy 
critical examination of the Constitution and Statutes of the system of the 
thirty-three degrees. 

" The collection of these Constitutions, (fee, has the title ' Statutes and 
Regulations,' Institutes, Laws and Grand Constitutions of the Ancient and 
Accepted Scottish Rite, compiled with notes from authentic documents 
for the use of the Order. By Albert Pike, Thirty-third M .*. P .-. Sov .-. 
G .-. Com ,'. of the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the 
United States. New York. 1859. 

" The Grand Master then gave the principal contents of the historico 
critical examination of Brother Merzdorff, and mentioned particularly that 
the above named Constitutions and Laws, which formed at present a basis 
of a system of high degrees in America, France and England, were 
attributed to King Frederick the Great, who is said not to have issued thera 



60 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

himself, but at least to have approved and signed them at the Grand 
Orient of Berlin, on the 25th day of the 7th month of the year 1762, and 
in May, 1786. These documents are in the Latin, French, and English 
languages. The last of them. May 1, 17S6, begins with the following 
introduction : ' Nos Fredericus Dei Gratia — ^fecerunt,' &c. In the French 
text , ' Nous Frederic par la Grace de Dieu— ou Franc Maconnerie,' &c., 
and concludes as follows : ' Datum in nostra regali sede Berolini,' &c. The 
Constitutions have the following introduction : ' Probante praesente, san- 
ciente — deliberaverunt, &c., and closes with 'Dehberatum, actum, sanci- 
turn in Magno et Supremo Concilio,' &c. 

" According to the contents of these documents, Frederick the Great is 
said to have revised, reorganized, and increased from twenty-five to thirty- 
three degrees the system of High degrees in a Supreme Council held at 
Berlin, and which have often been the subject of critical examination, in 
consequence of the doubts of their authenticity which have always been 
uttered. 

" Brother Le Blanc de Ma'rconnay directed a letter about this subject, 
dated May 25th, 1833, from New York to the Directory of the Grand 
National Mother Lodge of the Three Globes. He wrote as follows : ' The 
highest tribunal of the Thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient "and 
Accepted Scotch Rite, (a Masonic authority which has extended its juris- 
diction over Europe, principally France,) claims to have its authority 
from Frederick II, King of Prussia, the said monarch having, on the 1st 
of May, 1786, revised the Masonic Constitutions and Statutes of the High 
degrees for which he had himself given the reglemens^ &c. Are these 
historical traditions founded on truth ? Is there any trace to be found of 
such a fact ? Is there any probability for their being a reahty ? 

"The answer which the Directory returned, on the 17th August, 1833, 
says: 'The Grand National Mother Lodge of the Three Globes was 
founded on the 13th September, 1740, under the authority of Frederick 
the Great, who was its first Grand Master. He never had anything to do 
with the organization and legislation of the Grand Lodge. All that has 
been related of his having, in 1786, originated a high Masonic Senate, 
<fec., has no historical basis.' 

" Kloss attends to this subject in a long examination in his ' History of 
Free Masonry in France,' (page 409,) and stamps the Constitutions and 
Statutes of the x\ncient and Accepted Rite as ' the grand lie of the 
Order: 

" As harsh as this judgment may appear at a first glance, the Directory 
of the Grand Lodge of the Three Globes, after repeated researches in the 



DOCUMENTS. 61 

archives aud historical collections, cannot help sustaining it, by declaring 
the Constitutions and Statutes entirely false (apokryph), because : 

'' 1. King Frederick (the Great) attended to Masonic affairs for only 
seven years (from his initiation in 1738 to 1744), and was never engaged 
in them afterwards. He kept himself aloof from every direct participa- 
tion in them, devoting himself, with almost superhuman exertions, exclu- 
sively to the troubles and cares of government and in the command of 
his army. 

"2. In the year 1762 the third Silesian campaign engaged the whole 
of the time and activity of the King, and on the 1st of May, 1786, (the 
last of his life), indeed a few months only before his death, (l7th August, 
1786), he resided, a martyr to the gout, decrepit and weary of hfe, in his 
castle of Sans Souci, near Potsdam, not in Berhn. According to the most 
■ reliable information, ' the King arrived in Berlin, September 9th, 1785, 
visited his sister, the Princess Araalia, inspected his public works, and 
spent the night at the mineral springs to attend on the next day (Septem- 
ber 10th, 1785,) the manoBuvres of his artillery. From the place of review 
the King returned to Potsdam. He never again came afterwards to Berhn ; 
for, after having passed the winter in great suffering, his approaching end 
became no longer doubtful to his physicians in 1786, and the suffering 
monarch moved, on the 17th April, 1786, to the castle of Sans Souci, 
where he through four months suffered and died a hero. 

"3. It is, therefore, a falsehood that King Frederick the Great had 
convoked on the 1st May, 1786, in his residence at Berlin, a Grand 
Council for regulating the High degrees. It does not correspond at all 
to the manner of thinking and acting of the sublime Sovereign, to have 
occupied himself near the end of his earthly career with things which he 
had characterized as idle, valueless and play-work. 

" 4. The documents kept from time to time in the archives of the 
Grand National Mother Lodge do not show the slightest trace of the 
above mentioned documents or of the existence of a Grand Council in 
Berlin. 

" 5. Of the persons who are said to have signed those documents, only 
Stark and Woellner are here known, the others are entirely/ unknown, 
nowhere mentioned in any of the numerous Masonic books or writings 
collected here. 

"But Stark could not have signed the documents of 1762 and 1786, 
for he was from 1760 to 1765 well known in England and France, and 
in Paris was the expounder of the Oriental manuscripts of the library. 
In 1766, he returned to Germany, and became Corrector at Wismar. In 



62 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

1769, he was appointed Professor of Oriental languages at Koenigsberg, 
in Prussia, whence he went, in 1781, as first preacher of the Court to 
Darmstadt. Stark declares in his book, ' The Accusations Against Dr. 
Stark and his Defence : Frankfort andLeipsic, 1787, pp. 83 and 245,' that 
he had renounced, since 1777, all his Masonic connections, had not par- 
ticipated in any way afterwards with Masonic matters, and had been YQvy 
indiflferent to everything that had happened among the Free Masons ; so 
indifferent that he did not want to answer letters of his former friends 
who wrote on such subjects. 

" WoELLNER had been elected in 1775, 'Alt Schottischer Obermeister,' 
and held this office until the year 1791, when he was elected National 
Grand Master. Nowhere in the archives can be found evidence that he 
took an interest in the High degrees. A letter sent to him by ' des 
Philalethes Chefs legitimes du regime Magonnique de la respectable loge 
des amis reunis a I'Orient de Paris,' kept in the archives of the National 
Mother Grand Lodge, touches the meeting of a Convention in Paris, on 
the 15th June, 1786. It is signed by Brother Savalette de Langes> 
(Garde du tresor royal.) The piirpose of the Convention was to be, 'to 
confer upon Masonic doctrine, and by the concentration of lights and the 
comparison of opinions, to clear up the most important points relating to 
the principles, dogmas, advantages and the true aim of Free Masonry, 
viewed only as a science.^ 

" A later letter from Brother Savalette de Langes, received February 
9th, 1787, shows that the meeting of the Convention bad been put off to 
the 21st February, 1787, On this letter is a remark that it had not 
been answered. 

" The Grand Lodge resolves to insert this report of the Directory into 
the Protocol, and so to promulgate it to all the Lodges,'* 



TyOGTJJa^/EEIISIT' J^O. IX. 



Extract from a document which has been in the hands of Brother Le 
Blanc de Marconnay at New York in 1833. The title of it was — 

"Annual Tableau of the Brethren, composing the ' Sublime Grand 
Lodge of Perfection ' for South Carolina, established at Charleston, Anno 
Lucis, 5783 — Annual for 1802. 



DOClBtENTS. 



63 



Printing Office of P. B. Brown, No. 8 Bend Street, Charleston. 
In this annual we notice, 



First 



Second, 



First. 



Second, 



As Sublime Grand Master, Frederick Dalcho, a native of 
London ; Physician — a member of the Medical Society of South 
Carolina ; an Honorary Member of the Societies of Chemistry, 
and of Physic of Philadelphia, one of the Physicians of the 
Charleston Dispensary ; aged 32 years. 

As Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council 
of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, Thirty-third degree. 
John Mitchell, a native of Ireland, a Justice of the Peace and a 
Notary Public, late Lieut. Colonel in the American Army, a 
member of the Order of Cincinnatus ; aged 60 years. And 
other brethren whom it would be too long to enumerate here. 

As first Honorary Member, His Royal Highness, Charles, 
Hereditary Prince of Sweden, of the Goths and Vandals, Duke 
of Sudermania, Hereditary Prince of Norway ; Duke of Ber- 
wick, of Holstein, of Stormarick, and of Dillmarches, Earl of 
Oldenburg, and of Delmenhorst, Grand Admiral of Sweden, 
Vicar of Solomon of the 7th and 9th Provinces, and National 
Grand Master of the Kingdom of Sweden, Prince of the Royal 
Secret, Thirty-second degree. 

Note.- — Prince Charles, afterwards King of Sweden, never 
possessed regularly the Thirty-third degree. This is a degree 
unknown in Swedish Masonry. Ho had, consequently, been 
promoted to said degree, by the Supreme Council of Charleston, 
by mere courtesy. De M. 



Count De Grasse Tilly is also mentioned in this Annual. 

As second Honoraiy Member of the Sublime Lodge of Per- 
fection. Count Alexander Francis Augustus De Grasse, a 
native of Versailles, a planter of St. Domingo, aged 32 years. 
Rose- Croix, Kadosch, Prince of the Royal Secret, Sovereign 
Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third degree ; Grand 
Commander for the French West Indies, and Representative 
of the Sublime Grand Lodge of South Carolina, in and at, the 
Sublime Grand Lodge of Saint Domingo. 

On the Tableau of the Officers of the Council of Princes of 
Jerusalem, of South Carolina, Representative at Saint Domingo 
— Augustus De Grasse, (ut supra.) 



64 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Third. On the Tableau of Officers of the Grand Consistorj^ of Princes 

of the Royal Secret, Representative at Saint Domingo — 
Augustus De Grasse, (ut supra.) 

Fourth. On the Tableau of Officers of the Supreme Council of the 
Thirty-third degree, Representative at Saint Domingo — Augus- 
tus De Grasse, (ut supra.) 

Note. — Previous to the Supreme Council, established by the 
Grand Orient of France, in the G .*. of Hayti, in 1837, there 
never existed at St. Domingo any Council of Princes of Jeru- 
salem, any Consistory of Princes of the Royal Secret, nor a.ny 
Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree. Brother De 
Grasse Tilly, no doubt, had in view, the establishment of those 
Lodges at St. Domingo, and for that reason, it is thus stated in 
the Annual. But he did not return to that island, then a 
prey to the Revolution, and it was only at Paris, in 1804, that 
he put his idea into execution. De M. 



i3C>OTT3MEsr>a'T 3xro. la. 



Extract from the ^^Abrege historique de V Organisation en France, 
des Thirty-three degres du Pit, Ec. Anc. and 
Ace. Paris, 1814. 
Page 77, (translation). 
On the l5th of February, 1810, the Sov .*. G .*. Consistory of the 
Thirty-second degree established for the United States, at the .*. of 
New York, doing homage to the severity of the principles of the 
Supreme Council, which constantly tend to the purification of Masonry, 
testified the desire of seeing a reciprocal correspondence established between 
them. This correspondence was warmly welcomed and consecrated by 
the Supreme Council on the 11th of February, 1813. 



DOCUMENTS. 65 

Extract from " Recuil des Actes du Sup .-. Cons .*. de France,'' /. de 
Paris, 1832 — (bearing the stamp of the Secretary Gene- 
ral.) 
Page 305, (translation.) 
Decree, filling several vacancies in the Sup.*. Council, &c., &c. 
Art 3. The HI .•. Brn .-. hereafter named, are declared active members 
of the S .*. C .*. Lafayette, Lieut. General, Member of the Cham- 
ber of Deputies, and of the Sup .*. Council of North America. 
Count Alex. Delaborde, &c., &c. 

Signed by The Duke of Choiseul, S .*. G .*. Com. ; Comte Muraire 
Lieut. G. Com .-. ; De Fernig, Bellsard, Monthron, De Pully, 
Werhuel, De Grambonui, Setier, Dupin aine Gniffrey, Dupin 
Jenne. 



IDOOTTl!lka:E33>a"T 3MO. 13. 



To the Glory of the G .'. A .'. of the Universe, 

S'^'^ at Heredom, 48*=' 50' 14" Lat N. 

Device. [ The 10th day of the 5th month of the year, A. L., 5810, 
; The 10th day of July, 1816, (E. V.) 

The Grand Orient of France in its Supreme Council of all the rites. To 
the Gr .'. Consistory of Chiefs of Masonry from the United States of 
America, Sitting at New York. 

M .-. Ill .-. Brn .-.— 
We have received by the medium of the M .*. Ill .'. Brother F. Hae- 
quet, our President, the demand of our correspondence with your Grand 
Consistory, containing also the announcement that you had appointed this 
LI.*. Bro.*. as your representative near us. It is with the greatest plea- 
sure that we have to inform you, that in accordance with a report made by 
the 111 .*. Bro .'. Sallombrer, at our ordinary Session of the 3d inst., on the 
subject of this demand registered No. 13800, the Sup .•. Council of all rit<.^ 
sitting at the G .*. .'. of P' ranee, has decreed unanimously, that this cor- 
respondence be opened, and that this present letter shall be written to 
inform you of the same, and to assure you that we will neglect no occasion 



66 



SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



to make it more and more interesting for the greater prosperity of the 
Order and the propagation of its right. 

We express the most sincere wishes, that the G .*. A .*. .*. T .'. U .*. 
may continue to grant you his favors, and to cover your illustrious works 
with the same. 

We are with sentiments of the most affectionate fraternity, 
M .-. Ill .-. Brethren. 

Your very affec .'. and most devoted brethren, 
The Officers of the G. O. in its Supreme 
Council of all rites. 

ROETTIERS DE MoNTALEAU, 





Hacquet, President, 

De Jolly Frayssinet, 33, 

Ram OK, 




Berg, G. de Beaumont Bonton. 

BoMVET, De la Roche, 

GOUFEMENT, VaN LiBEEY, 

Tesson, Chachere de Beaurepairs, 

Challon. 



Stamped and sealed by us, 
Keeper of the Seal 
of the G. 0. of France. 

DUBIN. 



By order, Sivares, Sec. 



Note. — ^The following Document, No. 14, which is the original char- 
ter of Lafayette Chapter of Rose ^ will be interesting to the reader. 
This Chapter has lived from its date through all the storms and adversities 
of the Order, and is now in a most flourishing condition. It occupies a 
conspicuous place in 1832. 



DOCUMENTS. 67 



UOOTTI^EII^JT 3?iffO. 14. 



Vignette. 



Ordo ab Chao, 



®o ^t Sbrg of tic ^xam ^tcfjitect ©f tfje Slni^ejc^c, 



Viofnette. 



From the Orient of the Most Potent Sovereign Grand Consistory of 
Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry for the United States of America, 
their Territories and Dependencies, according to the "Ancient Constitu- 
tional Scottish Rite of Heredom, sitting in the city of New York, 
under the Cel .*. Can /. near the B /. B .*. at tlie central point of the 
Zenith, answering to the 40 deg .*. 41 min .'. North Latitude. May the 
rebuilding of the Temple, commenced under the protection of the Grand 
Architect of the Universe, be accomplished and bless our enterprises, &c., 

We, the Most Sovereign Grand Commander, Most Illustrious Grand 
Inspector General of the Thirty-third degree. Grand Dignitaries and Mem- 
bers of the most Potent Sovereign Grand Consistory of Supreme Chiefs 
of Exalted Masonry for the United States of America, their territories and 
dependencies, regularly constituted by Constitutional Patents, dated the 
28th day of October, A. L., 5807, and sitting at the central point aforesaid, 
Do, by these presents, Attest, Certify, and Declare, to all the Brethren, Val- 
iant Knights, and Illustrious Princes of Masonry, wheresoever regularly 
constituted, or providentially dispersed, that being formally convened and 
fraternally assembled at the usual place of its sittings, the Sovereign Grand 



68 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Commander laid before us a petition, addressed to our Most Potent Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory, signed by the Most Respectable and Perfect 
Brethren. 

Oliver M. Lownds, G. Morgan, H. Marsh, W. T. Hunter, Mariano 
Velasquez and Wm. H. Wetmore, who, desiring to contribute by their 
united labors to the increase and advantage of the Mystic Art in all its 
perfection, have therein solicited, that power and authority may be granted 
to them, forming and establishing a Sovereign Chapter of Princes of the 
Rose ►f* in the Valley of New York, under the distinctive title of " La 
Fayette." 

And We, considering that the establishing such a Chapter, cannot but 
be useful in the propagation of true Masonic principles, and in the reforma- 
tion of abuses, which, by the indiscriminate and multiplied initiations into 
that Sublime degree, without regard to the Statutes and general Regula- 
tions of the Order, have been, and still may be practiced ; and reposing 
the greatest confidence in the zeal and Masonic knowledge of the said 
Most Respectable and Perfect Brethren, who, in their petition, have desig- 
nated the Most Respectable and Perfect Brother Oliver M. Lownds for 
their President; the Most Respectable and Perfect Brother Garritt Morgan 
for their Senior Grand Warden ; and the Most Respectable and Perfect 
Brother Henry Marsh for their Junior Grand Warden — have, by a 
unanimous vote, resolved to Create, and Constitute, and by these presents 
Do Create and Constitute a Sovereign Chapter of Princes of the Rose 
»J«, in the valley of New York, under the distinctive title of 

And the said Sovereign Chapter of Princes of the Rose »J«, when duly 
formed and organized, pursuant to the tenor of this Capitulary Charter, 
shall be, and is hereby vested with full power and authority to initiate 
into the Sublime degrees, and to confer upon all Regular Master Masons, 
the degrees from the Fourth (or Secret Master) to the Eighteenth (or 
Sovereign Prince of the Rose *^) both inclusive. To regulate and govern 
the members, from time to time, and at all times, composing the said- 
Sovereign Chapter of Princes of the Rose *J«, according to the Statutes 
and General Regulations of the Order, and particularly, and especially 
according to those Regulations issuing from, or by authority of the " Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory of the United States of America." To 
Elect, and Install annually, on the first Thursday after Easter in every 
year, and from time to time, as vacancies may happen, their proper and 
necessary Grand Oflacers. And finally, to have, hold, and enjoy, all the 



DOCUMENTS. 69 

Rights, Honors, Titles Privileges, and Prerogatives, appertaining and 
belonging to Chapters of the Subhme degree of Sovereign Princes of the 
Rose *J«, and we do hereby entreat all Respectable and Perfect Brethren, 
Valiant Knights, and Illustrious Princes of Masonry, to acknowledge the 
said Sovereign Chapter of Princes of the Rose *^, thus and hereby created 
and instituted under the distinctive title of " La Fayette," in the valley 
of New York, aforesaid, and to receive and accept all the Respectable and 
Perfect Brethren and Knights, admitted by said Chapter to the Subhme 
and Perfect degree, in their Colleges, Councils or Chapters, promising to 
extend reciprocal respect toward all those who shall present themselves at 
this Orient, duly invested with equally authentic titles and recommenda- 
tions. 

Given under our signatures, the seal of our Arms, the seal of Masonic 
Princes, and the private seal of the Sovereign Grand Commander, in a 
place wherein are deposited Treasures, the splendor of which creates in 
the beholder, sensations of infinite joy, consolation, and gratitude, for all 
that is great and good under the C .'. C .'. at the city of New York, in the 
State of New York, in the United States of America, the Twenty -Second 
day of the Ninth Masonic month, called Kisleu, of the year of true light, 
5824, and of the Christian Era, 1824. 

Signed, Mami propria^ 

Joseph Cerneau. 
Sov .*. Gr .'. Hon .'. Commander, ad vitam, 
33d. degree. 
John W. Mulligan, Dewitt Clinton, Elias Hicks, 

Past Gr. Com., 33d. Sov. Gr. Com., 33d. ' Dep. Gr. Cora., 33d. 

Thomas Lownds, ' ^ ^ Martin Hoffman, 

Gr. Keeper ofthe Seals, 33d. -j qq^^^ j- Minister of State, 33d. 

A. P. Cerneau, P. R. S., 32d. ^ v ' Jonathan Schieffelin, 

G .'. M .'. of Ceremonies. a 1st Lieut.*. Gr.'. Commander, 

Alexander S. Glass, ( ^''"vate | Francis Dubuar, 

Grand Treasurer, 33d desf. 1 a n^m \ 2d Lieut .'. G.-. C.'., 33d. 



Consistorial ; Hampton Dunham, ) Council / 

Seal. i n J TT •. 1, o.i\ ) Seal, f 

^^ ^^ , Grand Hospitaller, 32d degree. ( ,^^,^^^.^^ ) 

Ry Order, John Telfair, 

Grand Chancellor, 3 2d degree. 



I>OOTTI^E3I»a-T PffO. IS. 



REGISTER 



RULES AJfD STATUTES, 



OF THE 



SUBLIME DEGEEES, 



OF 



MASONRY. 



ABRAHAM JACOBS. 



DOCUMENTS. 73 



nir i\t §mhusB Comprdjenhb it iiot. 



In the EAST, a place of LIGHT, where reigns ^i 

SILENCE, and PEACE, ;! 

We, the Master, Wardens, and Secretary, of St. Andrew's ■• 

Lodge, held in the town of Boston, and State of Massachu- 
.25 setts, Do Certify, that the bearer hereof, our worthy Brother ^ 

^ ^ Abraham Jacobs, has been regularly initiated into the second 
^ I degree of Masonry. As such he has been received by us, and 
S ^1 being a true and faithful brother, is hereby recommended to ^ 
g ^ the favor and protection of all Free and Accepted Masons, ? 
S -"^ wheresoever dispersed. > 

2 g; In witness whereof, we have caused the Seal of our said ^ 
^ 2 Lodge to be hereunto affixed, this twenty-second day of July, ^ 

1 -5 1782, and of Masonry 5782. u 

> a r-wA.---^ Robert Revere, Master. 

2 5' 



} Seal. [ 



^ J ' C N. Willis, Junior Warden. 



RoBT. McElroy, Senior Warden. 
N. Willis, Junior Wardi 
Ben. Coolidge, Secretary. 



" Brother Jacobs received the Sublime degree of a Master, in Lodge- 
No. 1, at Charleston, South Carolina, which Lodge then held their war- 
rant under the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of , in Europe, in 

the Presidency of the Worshipful Grand Master, the Duke of Athol. ' 



Note by Author. — The above is a copy of the first page, exactly as- 
written by Jacobs himself, and purports to be a copy of his Masonic cer* 
tificate for the " second degree^'' as received from St. Andrew's Lodge, 
Boston. Whether correct or not, we have no means of judging. The 
form is certainly singular, and the wording also. 

The note below is also written by himself, and is quite indefinite. 

The second, third and fourth pages are filled with abstracts from tha 



ikj 



74 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Charleston Circular, concerning the establishment of the Sublime degrees. 

It is given in full, Appendix, Document No. 7. 

"In the year 1*787, Brother Abraham Jacobs received the Sublime 
degrees, in the Sublime Lodge at Charleston, South Carolina, which 
Lodge was then under the auspices of Brothers Myers and Spitzer. 

" On the first day of May Brother Abraham Jacobs received a certifi- 
cate from the Sublime Lodge, at that time governed by Brother Edward 
Weyman, who then presided as Master of said Lodge of Perfection^ — 



C OP Y 

(m HIS OWN HAND-WRITING.) 



peanut— Stet5Mti®—l!(S)toirir. 

®o tjie eKlorg ot tjic ©fvanU ^rc!)itect of tfjc Sanibcroc. 
IjUX ex Tenebris. 

From the East of the Most Puissant Council of Most Valiant Princes 
and Sublime Masons of the Royal Secret, &c., <fec. Under the Celestial 
Canopy of the Zenith, which answers to thirty-two degrees forty-eight 
minutes. North Latitude. 

To our Illustrious and Most Valiant Knights and Princes of Antient 
and Perfect Masons, of all degrees, over the surface of the two 
hemispheres : 

We, Edward Weyman, Grand, Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason, 
Knight of the East, and Prince of Jerusalem, duly authorized by Patent, 
under the hands and seals at arms of the Thrice Puissant and Respectable 
Grand Inspectors, Joseph M. Myers and Barend M. Spitzer, Grand, Elect, 
Perfect and Sublime Mason, Knights of the East, and Princes of Jerusa- 
lem, Patriarch Noachite, Sovereign Knight of the Sun, and K .-. H .•., 
<fec., &c. 

Do hereby Certify, Attest, and Declare to all men — That our dear and 
beloved brother, Abraham Jacobs, native of New York, in North America, 
now of the city of Charleston, State of South Carolina, the bearer hereof, 



DOCUMENTS. *l^ 

hath been examined by us, and having' given great proof of his zeal 
fervor and constancy for an approved Master Mason of the Blue Lodge 
and the Royal Craft in general. We have, agreeable to all the rules and 
ceremonies, conferred on him the Sublime degrees of Secret Master, Per- 
fect Master, Intimate Secretary, Provost and Judge, Intendent of the 
Buildings, Elected Knights, Grand Master Elect, Illustrious Knight, Grand 
Master Architect, and Royal Arch ; and we have, also, to recognize his 
great attachment and love for our Royal Craft, initiated him in due form 
in the Grand and Sublime degree of Perfection, the ultimate of Symbolic 
Masonry, and that as such, we pray he may be received in all Lodges of 
those Eminent degrees. 

We promise to pay the same attention to all brethren who may present 
themselves to our Lodge and Council furnished with proper and authentic 
titles. To which we, Edward Weyman, have hereunto subscribed our 
name, and affixed our Seal at Arms, also the Grand Seal of the Princes 
of Masons, in the place where the greatest of treasures are deposited, the 
beholding of which fills us with comfort and joy and acknowledgment of 
all that is great and good, near the B .*. B .*. this twenty-fourth day of the 
seventh month, called Nisan, of the year 4473, of the Restoration 2306, 
and of the Vulgar Era, the first day of May, A. D. 1*788. 

Edward Weyman, Grand Elect, Pft. and S. G. M., K. of the E, 

and P. of J. 
M. Gist, S. D. G. Master, K. of E. and P. of J. 
John Mitchell, Sublime Senior Grand Warden of the Lodge of 

Perfection. K. of the E. P. of J., K. of the E. and W., 

K. of the R. C, P. N., &c., and Sovereign Knight of the 

Sun. 
Joseph Bee, S. Jr. G. Warden, K. of the E., Prince of Jerusalem. 
T. B. BowEN, G. E. P. and Sub. Mn., K. of the E., Grand Orator 

Sublime Lodge of Perfection. 
Abraham Sasportas, Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Lodge of 

Perfection, K. of the E., P. of J. P. M., and Sovereign 

Knight of the Sun. 
Joseph Da Costa, Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason, Knight 

of the East, Sublime Grand Secretary. 

"In 1774, Brother Henry Frankin established the Royal Orders in 
Jamaica, and continued as their head for several years, which afterwards 
fell and laid dormant. 



76 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

• "February 1st, 1790, Brother Augustus Prevost appointed, in Phila- 
delphia, Pierre la Barbier Plessis, whose Patent was endorsed as regular 
by Brother Wm. Moore Smith, Deputy Grand Inspector General, at 
Norristown. On the 4th November following it was endorsed by Anthony 
Bedeaud. On the 21st July, 1806, Sovereign Grand Inspector General 
of Thirty-third, and Deputy at Philadelphia. 

"Brother Moses Cohen was raised to the Sublime degree of Knight of 
the Sun in 1*789, by the Illustrious Brother M. Hayes, in Philadelphia, 
and was afterwards appointed Deputy Inspector and received his Patent, 
which was endorsed by a Convention held at the same place the ensuing- 
February. 

"In the spring of 1790 Brother Moses Cohen arrived at Kingston, in 
the island of Jamaica, at which place Brother Abraham Jacobs then 
resided, where he again renewed the Sublime degrees ; and shortly after 
Brother Abraham Forst arrived ; they then established a Consistory, at 
which place they promoted Brother Abraham Jacobs to the degree of 
Knight of the Sun. The November following Brother Abraham Jacobs 
left the island, when he received his certificate, with every necessary 
requisite for promoting the Craft in the city of Savannah and State of 
Georgia." 

[Here follows his Certificate.^ 



; , [a[i£^!Lir[a-8Tfi\[B[i[i.[iTri7-[f>©^5g[E^ 

IjUX ex Tenebris, 

From the East of the Most Puissant Council of the Most Valiant 
Princes and Sublime Masons of the Koyal Secret, &c., &c. Under the 
Celestial Canopy of the Zenith, which answers to l7th deg. 56 min., 
N. Latitude. 
To our Illustrious and Most Valiant Princes of Ancient and Modern Free 

Masonry, over the surface of the two hemispheres : 

We, Moses Cohen, Grand, Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason, Knight 
of the East and Prince of Jerusalem, Patriarch Noachite, Sovereign 
Knight of the Sun, K. H., Inspector General by authority of Convention 
donvened in the town of Kingston, in the island of Jamaica, under the 
special protection of the Most Valiant Princes, and in their place and 



DOCUMENTS. Y7 

stead, do hereby Certify, Attest and Declare to all Free and Valiant 
Printes of Masons, and of Free and Accepted Mcisonry, &c., &c., that 
our dear and beloved brother, x\brahain Jacobs, native of New York, in 
North America, but now resident of the tosvn of Kingston and island of 
Jamaica, the bearer hereof, hath been by us examined, and having given 
great proof of his fervor and constancy for an approved Master Mason of 
the Blue Lodge, also as Secret Master, Perfect Master, Intimate Secretary, 
Provost and Judge, Intendent of the Buildings, Elected Knights, Grand 
Master Elect, Illustrious Knight, Grand Master Architect, Royal Arch, 
and the Sublime degree of Perfection, the ultimate of Sublime M:vsonry. 
And that we have, also, to recompense his great attachment and love for 
our Royal Craft, initiated him, in due form, in the Grand and Sublime 
degrees of Knight of the East, Prince of Jerusalem, Knight of the East 
and West, Select Mason of Twenty-seven, Grand Maitre Ecossai ; and 
further, conferred on him the Sublime degree of Knight of the Rose 
Croix, Grand Pontiff, Grand Master ad vitam, Prussian Knights in two 
degrees. Knights of the Royal Axe ; and that, having with firmness and 
constancy sustained the solid proof of his fervor, constancy and zeal in the 
support of the Royal Craft, and of his submission to the support of the 
Supreme Tribunal of the Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret, we have 
initiated him Patriarch Noachite and Sovereign Knight of the Sun, with 
full power to initiate brethren and constitute Lodges agreeable to our 
rules, and that as such, we beg he may be received in all Lodges of those 
eminent degrees. 

We promise to pay the same attention to all brethren who may present 
themselves to our Lodge and Council, furnished with proper and authen- 
tic titles. 

To which we, Moses Cohen, have hereunto subscribed our name and 
affixed our seal at Arms, also the Grand Seal of Princes of Masons in the 
place where the greatest of treasures are deposited, the beholding of which 
fills us with joy and acknowledgement of all that is great and good near 
the B. B., the second day of the third month called Kislieu, of the year 
4475, of the Restoration, 2308, and of the Vulgar Aeua, the 9th day of 
November, 1*790. 

Jacob Delion, Moses Cohen, Gr. Insp. Gen'l., K. H., 

Grand Secretary, 2'>^o tern. A. M. Bonito, G. K. of the S., pro tern. 

"On the 29th day of March, lV92, The Illustrious Brother Israel De 
Lieben acknowledged Brother Abraham Jacobs' credentials, which he 
received from Thrice Illustrious Brother Moses Cohen, in Jamaica, as 



78 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

certified by his credentials in Savannah, in the State of Georgia, as fol- 
lows : " 

I I (Here follows the certificate of Israel De Lieben— same words as above 

— dated Savannah, 20th March, 1802, signed Israel De '-^-^— ^ 
Lieben, K. H. and Sov. P. of the R. C, P. M., Joseph Da ( ) 

Costa, K. S., and Sublime Grand Secretary. This was j * I 

done at Jamaica, Kingston. ) v,*-v^^ 

(Then follows a certificate from Forsyth Lodge, Augusta, Georgia, 
stating that Brother Abraham Jacobs was duly elected Master and served 
one year in that capacity, viz., from the 24th of June, 1799, to 24th of 
June, 1800. Signed, Joseph S. Cart, M. O. Crawford, S. W., Asaph 
Waterman, J. W., Robert Revere, Secretary, William Crawford, Treasurer.) 

(Then a certificate from Independent Royal Arch Lodge No. 2, stating 
that Brother Jacobs was received as a visitor to that Lodge, June 18th, 
1805 — signed J. Linington, Master No. 2.) 

(Then a certificate of his being admitted a visitor at the Installation 
of New Jerusalem Lodge by the Grand Officers, 23d June, 1807. De- 
witt Clinton, Grand Master,) 

"On the 21st November, 1802, Brother Abraham Jacobs and eight 
other brethren, then residing in Savannah, in the State of Georgia, 
petitioned the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem at Charleston, 
South Carolina, for a Warrant and Constitution to establish a Sublime 
Lodge in that city. 

" On the 4th of December, a Warrant of Constitution passed the Seal 
of the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem for the establishment of a 
Sublime Grand Lodge in Savannah. 

"On the 30th December, 1802, the Thrice Illustrious Brother Alex- 
ander Placid, member of the Sublime Grand Council of Princes of Jeru- 
salem in Charleston, being duly authorized by said Council, attended the 
Petitioners in Georgia with their Warrant of Constitution, and regularly 
installed the Lodge under the Firm of the Grand Elect and Sublime 
Grand Lodge No. 2 under the jurisdiction of the Sublime Grand Council 
of Princes of Jerusalem in Charleston, South Carolina, agreeable to the 
minutes of the Lodge. 

"October 10th, 1808, Brother A. Jacobs, then residing in the city of 
New York, in North America, in which city the Sublime degrees was not 
established. A number of old Royal Arch and Master Masons of the 
Blue Lodge, convened and petitioned Brother Jacobs to confer the Sublime 
degrees on them, for the purpose of establishing the degrees in this city. 



DOCUMENTS. 



79 



Brother Jacobs being ever ready to promote the Royal Art, on making 
the necessary inquiry of the respectability of the applicants, concluded to 
communicate the SubUme degrees to them. On the 3d of November 
following, the number of nineteen brethren were brought up to the degree 
of Prince of Jerusalem, when they nominated the officers for the Council 
and for the Lodge of Perfection under the Founder^ until a regular War- 
rant should be obtained from the Grand Council in Charleston, and due 
notice thereof was given in the public prints the ensuing day. 

'' On the 6th November, 1808, the brethren met at their Council 
Chamber which was opened by the Founder (Brother Abraham Jacobs) 
with all the honors and solemnities. They were then visited by the 
Illustrious Brother John G. Tardy, Deputy Inspector General ; John James 
Joseph Gourgas and Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, K. H., and Princes of 
the Royal Secret, who, with the consent of the body, they agreed to take 
them under their protection and become their head, and accordingly 
granted them a Warrant and Constitution, and organized the Council and 
Sublime Lodge on that meeting. 

"On the 14th of October, 1807, Brother Pierre La Barbiere Plessis 
conferred the degrees, and appointed John Gabriel Tardy as Deputy 
Inspector General at Philadelphia. 

"Brother John Gabriel Tardy, Deputy Inspector General, promoted 
Abraham Jacobs to K. H., and Prince of the Royal Secret, and on the 
24th day of November, ] 809, gave him a Patent." 

(Here follows the Patent — worded same as the former.") 

Signed, 



KiCHARD RiKER, S. P. R. S. and 
G. W., 

Sampson Simson, K. H., S. P. R. S., 
Grand Captain of the Guards. 

MoRDECAi Myers, K. H., S. P. R. 
S., Grand Junior AVarden. 



J. G. Tardy, Dep. Ins. Gen., 
G. Sov. of Sovereigns. 

John B. Desdoity, Deputy Ins. 
Gen., Deputy Commander. 

Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, 
Dep. Ins. Gen., G. Treasurer. 



By order of the Sublime Grand Consistory, 

J. J. J. Gourgas, Deputy Inspector General, &c.. 

Grand Secretary. 

(The Patent of Tardy makes Jacobs a member of the Consistory, 
November, 1809, which had been established by them March 9th, 1809.) 



APPENDAGE TO DOCUMENT No. 15. 



MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS 



IR^lnting tn Ijiylinitiiiiis 



as(g3ES^!/'s® m®m miEmmis 



INITIATED INTO THE 



tmm 



IN THE STATE OF GEORQIA, 
NORTH AMERICA. 



DOCUMENTS. 83 



COPY OF A LETTER 

RECEIVED FROM MR. GODFREY ZIMMERMAN, 

Dated Augusta, 21th May, 1792. 

Savannah, State of Georgia. 
Mr. Abraham Jacobs, 

Dear Sir : After my arrival here, I've taken an opportunity of com- 
municating to several Brethren, the most respectable in this community, 
the Power and Authority which you are invested with. They request me 
to communicate to you, that they earnest desire you will come up and 
confer on them the Sublime degrees, in order that they may be enabled 
to establish a Lodge of Perfection in Augusta. Sorry am I to say, that 
characters have crept in among us in our Lodge which are very disagree- 
able, and by establishing the Higher Orders, will be the only means to 
exclude them our future meetings. 

I am authorized to inform you that there will be at least ten or twelve, 
who will join and freely comply with your demand, namely, that of bear- 
ing your expenses until your return to Savannah, &c., — and I will be 
answerable for their strict compliance. My house and table you will 
please accept of during your stay amongst us, and your time will be made 
as agreeable as lays in our power ; I therefore hope you will embrace the 
earhest opportunity in complying with our request, which will greatly 
oblige the brethren, and in whose behalf I remain, with respect, 
Your Friend and Brother, 

G. Zimmerman. 



Copy of a letter received in Augusta, ^th June, 1792. 

Mr. Abraham Jacobs — 

Sir : Happy to hear of your arrival in this place, we, whose names 

are hereunto subscribed, will attend to-morrow morning at 8 o'clock at 

the Academy, and request you to meet us there with your Masonic 

authority and papers, in order that we may have an opportunity of hav- 



84 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

ing a view of them. Your kind compliance will particularly oblige us. 
Mr. Zimmerman will accompany you. 

We are, Sir, Your Most Obedient Servants, Signed, 

John Miller, Thomas McCall, Thomas Watkins, 
Godfrey Zimmerman and William Urqtjhart. 



State of Georgia, Augusta^ lOtb June, 1792. 
This morning at the time appointed, I attended at the Academy and 
produced my warrant and papers to the signers of the aforegoing letter, 
they were perused with attention and acknowledged to be authentic, in 
consequence of which, the same day I received the following letter : 

Brother Abraham Jacobs — 
Respectable Sir : We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, being 
Past Masters and Officers of a regular constituted Lodge, under the 
Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of this State, having a desire of being 
farther advanced in the Sublime Science, and not being able to attain it 
from the Grand Lodge, earnestly request you will attend us this evening 
at 6 o'clock at our Lodge Room, and confer the Sublime degrees on us, so 
that we may be able to establish a Sublime Lodge of Perfection in this 
place. Your kind compliance will oblige. 

Your Affectionate Brethren, 
John Milton, G. Zimmerman, Thomas McCall, 

Wm. Urquhart, Thomas Watkins, M. Burke, 

James Gardner, E. Prescott, Thomas P. Carn, 

Wm. Longstreet, George Walker, Alex'r McMillen, 

Seaborn Jones, Robert Forsyth, Baldwin, 

Pool, Tyler. 



Augusta, 10th June, 1792. 
To Brother Abraham Jacobs : 
In consequence of receiving the above letter, I attended the applicants 
at the time and place appointed, and after having gone through the 
necessary examination of the three first degrees, and their warrant, and 
finding all to be regular, I proceeded to confer the degree of Secret Mas- 
ter on the following named brethren in rotation : Brothers John Milton, 
Thomas McCall, Thomas Watkins, Godfrey Zimmerman, William Urqu- 
hart, Michael Burke and Ebenezer Prescott — gave them the signs, tokens 
and words, with every other necessary instruction. 



DOCUMENTS. 85 

June I2ik. This day conferred on Brothers John Milton, T. McCall, 
Godfrey Zimmerman, Michael Burke, Wm. Urquhart and E. Prescott 
the degrees of Perfect Master and Intimdte Secretary^ and gave them 
every instruction therein. 

June IZth. This day Brother Thomas Watkins received the degrees 
of Perfect Master and Intimate Secretary, in presence of the brethren 
that attended yesterday in due form. 

June 14^A. This day conferred the degrees of Provost and Judge, on 
Brothers Zimmerman and Prescott, also the degrees of Intendant of the 
Building, or Grand Master in Israel. Brother James Gardner attended 
and received the degrees of Secret Master and Perfect Master^ with 
every requisite instruction. 

June loth. Brother James Gardner received the degree of Intimate 
Secretary in due form with the necessary instruction belonging thereto. 
Conferred the degree of Elected Knight of Nine on Brother Godfrey 
Zimmerman. Conferred the degree of Provost and Judge, and Intendant 
of the Buildings on Brothers Milton, Gardner, McCall, Urquhart and 
Burke. 

June IGth. Conferred the degrees of Elected Knights of Nine, on 
Brothers Gardner, Milton, Urquhart and McCall ; also Secret Master in 
due form on Brothers Thomas P. Cams, George Walker, William Long- 
street and Alexander McMillan with every instruction. 

June 11 th. All the Elected Knights of Nine met, opened in due 
form, that degree was conferred on Brother Ebenezer Prescott, and after 
giving the usual instructions, closed. 

June IS th. Brother Ebenezer Prescott attended and demanded the 
Tenth degree, which was objected to in consequence of information being 
received that his character had been impeached — whereupon it was 
resolved, that every brother who had received the Sublime Orders be 
requested to give their attendance to-morrow afternoon at 3 o'clock, to 
investigate into the business, and that Brother Prescott be notified to come 
prepared to make his defense. Conferred the degrees of Elected Knights 
of Fifteen, Plustrious Knight and Grand Master Architect, on Brothers 
Milton, Urquhart and McCall, with the necessary instructions. Opened 
an Intimate Secretary's Lodge, the above-named brethren present, when 
Brothers McMillan and Walker was received in due form and received the 
necessary instructions and closed, when the Lodge of Provost and Judge 
was opened and Brothers Games, McMillan, Walker and Watkins received 
the deo^ree and closed. 



86 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

June Idth. At a meeting of the brethren agreeable to adjournment of 
yesterday, to be held in the afternoon of this day — there were present, 
A. Jacobs, K. H., ThoxMas P. Carns, Thomas McCall, 
Thomas Watkins, Michael Burke, Godfrey Zimmerman, 

George Walker, John Milton, William Longstreet, 

Robert McMillan, Wm. Urquhart, Thomas Gardner. 

A Secret Masters Lodge was opened for the purpose of investigating 
the charge alleged against Brother Ebenezer Prescott, who attended 
agreeable to notice received and was admitted. Brother Urquhart 
informed the brethren present, that Brother Prescott formerly resided in 
the city of Charleston in the State of South Carolina — that he had there 
been taken up by the civil authority on suspicion of counterfeiting money, 
and had been confined in the common gaol of that city, and had made 
his escape from that metropolis. Brother Prescott denied the charge of 
counterfeiting, but said he had been suspected, stood his trial, and was 
honorably acquitted, but could not produce any vouchers to that effect, 
nor could he prove his assertions more satisfactory than he had related. 
Brother Prescott was requested to withdraw, which he did, the business 
being argued. It wgis unanimously resolved that he should never be 
admitted into this Lodge again, and a request made to'Brother Jacobs 
never to give him a check book for any of the Sublime degrees he had 
received, nor confer any degrees on him until he produced satisfactory 
documents to convince this body of his innocence, and that Brother God- 
frey Zimmerman notify him thereof. The Lodge was then closed when 
the degree of Intendant of the Building was opened, Brother Carns, 
McMillan, Walker and Watkins received this degree and closed. A Secret 
Masters Lodge was opened, and Brother Seaborn Jones received this 
degree after having passed the Oriental chair, and closed. 

June 20th. Elected Knights of Nine^ Elected Knights of Fifteen^ 
Illustrious Knight and Grand Master Architect were conferred on 
Brothers McMillan, Carns, Walker, Watkins and Zimmerman. Perfect 
Master and Intimate Secretary^ on Brother Seaborn Jones. 

June 2\st. Provost and Judge and Intendant of the Buildings, on 
Brother Seaborn Jones. Secret Master, on Brothers Forsyth, Baldwin 
and Pool. 

Ju7ie 22d. Elected Knights of Fifteen, Illustrious Knights and 
Grand Master Architects, on Brother Jones. Perfect Master, Intimate 
Secretary and Provost and Judge on Brothers Forsyth, Pool and Long- 
street. 



I 



DOCUMENTS. 87 

June 2 3 J. Intendant of the Buildings and Elected Knights of Nine^ 
on Brothers Forsyth, Baldwin, Longstreet and Pool. 

June 2^th. Elected Knights of Fifteen, Illustrious Knight and 
Grand Master Architect, on Brothers Forsjth, Baldwin, Longstreet and 
Pool. 

June 26th. The Lodge- room was prepared for the Royal Arch, when 
the undermentioned brethren were honored with this Sublime degree : 

Bros. Milton, Urquhart, Walker, Forsyth, 

McCall, Gardner, Carns, Zimmerman, 

Watkins, Burke, McMillan, Pool. 

The history and lecture was then communicated, and closed in form. 
June 21 th. Sublime degree, Df Perfection — on Brothers Milton, Urqu- 
hart, McMillan, Forsyth, Zimmerman, Burke, McGall and Watkins ; gave 
them the history with every necessary instruction. 

June 2^th. This day the brethren who received the degree of Perfec- 
tion attended, when that Sublime degree was again opened in due form. 
Brothers Gardner, Walker and Jones were admitted in rotation, and 
received this Sublime degree, also the history and lecture, much to the 
satisfaction of all present. The members appointed the following brethren 
a Committee to frame a code of rules for their government, until a regular 
set with a Warrant and Constitutions could be obtained from the Council 
of Princes of Jerusalem, at Charleston, South Carolina. Brothers For- 
syth, McCall and Urquhart, the said Committee, had it also in charge to 
address the Council at Charleston, for the Warrant, &c. After which the 
Lodge was closed in due form with its usual honors. 

June 30th. At a meetino^ of the Subhme Masons in the Lodsje-room. 
Present — 

A'. Jacobs, K. S., Zimmerman, 

Forsyth, Burke, 

Urquhart, McCall, and 

McMillan, Watkins. 

A Royal Arch Chapter was opened in form, and Brothers Baldwin, 
Longstreet and Pool received this degree with every necessary instruction, 
and closed. 

Julg 2d. At a meeting of the Sublime Masons in the Lodge- room — 
Present, A. Jacobs, K. S. ; Forsyth, Urquhart, McMillan, Zimmerman, 
Burke, McCall and Milton. The Sublime degree of Perfection was 
opened in due form, and Brothers Baldwin, Longstreet and Pool received 



88 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

this degree in form, and after the necessary communications the Lodge was 
closed with the usual honors. 

July Zd. Brothers Milton, McCall, Urquhart, Gardner and Zimmerman, 
requested of me to confer two more degrees on them that they might 
form a Council of Princes of Jerusalem — that they might congregate and 
grant a Warrant to the Sublime Lodge. On condition that they would 
apply to the Council in Charleston for instructions requisite, that was not 
in my power to give them, I advanced the above-named brethren to the 
degree of Princes of Jerusalem^ and gave each of them certificates. I 
also furnished a copy of the work and drafts to that degree, with every 
other instruction for their establishment in my power. 

January 12tk, 1800. I returned to Augusta and found Brother Urqu- 
hart in possession of the drafts and other copies that I left for their use the 
third of July, 1792, but no Lodge or Council had been established. He 
informed me that two of the copies had been lost and requested I would 
let him have them, but evaded it in consequence of the death of Brother 
Zimmerman and the removal of Brother Milton, judging it now to be the 
prerogative of the Council at Charleston to whom they must inevitably 
apply. 

^^-««— > Abraham Jacobs, K. S. 

■j Seal ( of the degree. 



KEMAKKS BY THE AUTHOK. 

This is the close of ^^ part first, ^^ in Jacobs diary, he having been engaged 
in Augusta, Georgia, from June 10th to July 3d, 1T92, in conferring the 
Ineffable and Sublime degrees upon sixteen brethren, ostensibly for the 
purpose of forming a Sublime Lodge of Perfection and Grand Council of 
Princes of Jerusalem. Abraham Forst was at this time the Deputy 
Inspector for Georgia, and residing there, yet he was not consulted, nor 
does it appear that it made any difference. Each one conferred the degrees 
wherever he could find a customer. 

Eight years afterward, viz., in the year 1800, Jacobs visits Augusta and 
''''finds that no Lodge of Perfection is established or likely to 5e." This he 
knew before he conferred the degrees. He had no right whatever to form 
a Lodge, nor had the Council of Princes of Jerusalem at Charleston 
South Carolina, any right to grant them a Charter, unless they knew that 
the applicants received their degrees in a regular manner, from a properly 
constituted body. 



i 



DOCUMENTS. 89 

State of Georgia, ) 

Savamiah, 17th April, 17 9G. J 

Received a letter from Brother James Clarck, a regular Past Master of 
Solomons Lodge, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of this State, 
requesting to be instructed in the Sublime degrees, for the purpose of 
endeavoring to establish the Sublime Orders in this city. Conferred on 
him the degrees of Secret Master and Perfect Master. 

April 20th. Conferred on him the degrees of Intimate Secretary and 
Provost and Judge. 

April 25th. Conferred the degree of Select Masons of Twenty-seven, 
also the degree of Intendant of the Buildings, and on April 30th, the 
Elected Knight of Nine and the Elected Knight of Fifteen. 

May 6th. Conferred the degrees of Illustrious Knights and Grand 
Master Architect. 



Abraham Jacobs, K. S. 



Seal. 



State of Georgia, 
Vilkes- 
Received the followino: letter — 



County of Wilkes — Town of Washington, t 
Washington, 21st November, 1796. 



Brother Jacobs : 
Your petitioners request that Abraham Jacobs should meet this day 
and from day to day, to confer the various degrees of Masonry on them, 
so that they may be enabled to form a Council or Lodge of Perfect 
Masonry, and they will, as in duty bound, ever pray, &c., 

John Griffin, Wm. Cox, Andrew Jether, 

Benjamin Easely, Carver Willis, Benjamin Smith, 

Micajah Williamson, Jr., Gilbert Hay, John Clarck, 

Thompson Bird, John M. Carter, Benjamin Harris,, 

Edwin Mounger, Wm. Stythe. 

Taking the above applications into consideration, sindt finding no Lodge 
established at Augusta, nor likely to he, as well as being twenty-five 
leagues distance, met the brethren, examined their Warrant and proceed- 
ings of their Lodge, and found them all correct, and the applicants all 
men of responsibility, and irreproachable characters, complied with their 
requests. 



90 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

November 24:th. The uEder-mentioned brethren having assembled at 
the house of Brother Griffin, sent a Committee to desire my attendance. 
After haviijg examined them and finding they had passed the Oriental 
chair, conferred the degree of Secret Master on Brothers Griifin, Hay, 
Bird, Easely, Jether, Carter, Wilhamson, Cox, WiUis and Smith — also the 
degree of Perfect Master and Intimate Secretary. 

November 2bth. Provost and Judge and Intendant of the Building — 
Griffith. 

November 26th. Secret Master and Perfect Master — Cox, Willis* 
Jether, Clarck and Harris. 

November 21 th. Intimate Secretary and Provost and Judge — Carter, 
Cox, Easely, Clarck, Willis, Smith, Jether and Harris. 

November 29th. Intendant of the Buildings and JElected Knights of 
Nine — Griffin, Smith, Cox, Clarck, Williamson, Willis, Jether, Harris 
and Carter. 

November SOth. Secret Master and Perfect Master — Mounger. 

December \st. Provost and Judge and Intendant of the Building — 
Hay and Williamson. 

December Sd. Elected Knight of Nine — Hay. 

December 4:th. Provost and Judge and Intendant of the Building — Bird. 

December 9th. Elected Knight of Nine — Bird. 

December lOth. Elected Knight of Fifteen and Illustrious Knights — 
Hay, Clarck, Jether, Cox, Carter, Griffin, Easely, Smith and Willis. 

December \2th. Select Masons of Twenty-seven — Carter, Easely, 
Smith, Cox, Griffin and Hay. 

December 14th. Grand Master Architect — Bird, Jether, Cox, Carter, 
Hay, Easely, Griffin, Smith, Willis, Clarck, Harris and Wilhamson. 

December 11 th. Royal Arch — Griffin, Carter, Smith, Jether, Easely, 
Willis and Bird. 

December 19th. Royal Arch — Hay, Williamson, Bird, Clarck, Harris 
and Cox. 

December 21st. Perfection — Carter, Hay, Willis, Easely and Bird. 

December 22d. Perfection — Griffin, Clarck, Williamson, Harris and 
Smith. 

December 2Zd. Intimate Secretary 2a\di Provost and Judge — Mounger. 

December 2ith. Intendant of the Building and Elect of Nine — 
Mounger. 

December 2bth. Elected Knight of Fifteen and Illustrious Knight — 
Mounger. 

December 26th. Grand Master Architect — Mounger. 



DOCUMENTS. 91 

At a meeting of the brethren in the Sublime degrees at the house of 
Brother Jacobs, December 22d, 1796 — present, Abraham Jacobs, K. S. ; 
Benjamin Smith, Edwin Munger, John Griffin, Bricknor Harris, Thomp- 
son Bird, John M. Carter and Benjamin Easely. A Secret Masters Lodge 
was opened for the purpose of consulting the brethren whether they would 
celebrate the ensumg festival and join in procession of Lodge No. 5. 
After dehberating, it was unanimously declared that we should march as 
Sublime Masons, with the insignia belonging to the Ninth degree. 
Brothers Griffin and Smith, were appointed a Committee to wait upon 
Lodge No. 5, to know if it would be agreeable that the brethren in the 
Sublime Orders should join them in their procession and festival They 
being opened, the Committee waited upon them, and returned in a half 
hour and reported that they would be happy if we would join them. It 
was then ordered that the brethren in Sublime Orders join them in the 
festival on the 28th inst. The Lodge was then closed. 

May Sd. Conferred the degree of Knight of the East and Prince of 
Jerusalem on Griffin, Clarck, Williamson, Harris, Smith, Easely and 
Hay. 

October 24-tk, 1797. Secret Master, Perfect Master on Wm. Stytbe, 
Deputy Grand Master of the State. 

October 28th. Intimate Secretary and Provost and Judge — Sty the. 

October 1'dth. Intendantof the Building and Elected Knights of Nine 
— Stythe. 

October 30th. Secret Master and Perfect Master — Robert Sturges. 
" " Knight of East and West and Grand Master Ecossais 

on Brother Griffin. 

November 1st. Knight of Pose Croix and Grand Pontiff — Brother 
Griffin. 

November 3d. Grand Master, ad vitam, and Patriarch Noachite — • 

Griffin. 

-^-^^-. Abraham Jacobs, K. S. 

I Seal. I 



REMARKS BY THE AUTHOR. 

This closes the " second batch,''^ eighteen in number. The reader will 
observe that the Diary is abbreviated in order to avoid so much repetition. 
The above persons had no idea of forming a Lodge, nor had Jacobs any 



92 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

power to form such a body. As it was in the case of the Augusta pro- 
ceedings, so here also, no Lodge was ever formed. 

But the candidates were all of them " very responsible men " and Jacobs 
got his money — that was about all he eared for. 



State of Georgia, ) 

City of Savannah, 12th December, 1801. \ 

Conferred the degree of Secret Master and Perfect Master on Brother 
Isaac Frank, by his written request, in full expectation of establishing the 
Sublime Lodge in this city. 

December 21st. Intimate Secretary and Provost and Judge — Franks. 

February 8th. Intendant of the Buildings and Elect of Nine. — Franks. 

February 9th. Received an application from Brothers Lillibridge and 
More, requesting to be initiated into the Sublime degrees, they being 
recommended by Brother Franks — conferred on them the degree of Secret 
Master. 

February 12 th. Perfect Master — More and Lillibridge. 

February 22d. Brother Joseph Prescott, a Royal Arch Mason, applied 
by letter for the Sublime degrees — being recommended well, conferred 
on him the degrees of Secret and Perfect Master. 

March 1st. Elect of Fifteen and III. Knights — Franks. 

March Qth. Grand Master Architect — Franks. 

March 20th. Brother Zimmerman being in this city, and giving his 
assistance, conferred the degree of Poyal Arch on James Clarck and 
Isaac Franks. 

March 29th. Brother James Simpson applied by letter to receive the 
Sublime degrees, being well recommended, conferred on him the degrees 
of Secret and Perfect Master. 

March ^\st. Brother Green R. Dukes applied by letter for the Subhme 
degrees, being well recommended, conferred on him the degrees of Secret 
and Perfect Master. 

Apjil 6th. Intimate Secretary, Provost and Judge — More, Lillibridge 
and Prescott. 

April 19th. Intendant of the Building — More, Lillibridge and Pres- 
cott. 

Ajyril 26th. At a meeting of the Brethren Sublime Masons at the 
house of Brother Jacobs — Present, Abraham Jacobs, K. S. : Isaac Franks, 
William More, Joseph Prescott, John Lillibridge, James Simpson — it was 



DOCUMENTS. 93 

proposed that if the Lodge was opened in form, and brethren received in 
regular order, it would afibrd much greater instruction to the brethren and 
be more satisfactory to applicants, which w^as unanimously agreed to, and 
also that the hour of meeting should be at 6 o'clock, and that the third 
Sunday evening in every month be appointed for that purpose, which was 
unanimously agreed to. It was also agreed that whenever an application 
of a candidate was received that the brethren would attend for that pur- 
pose ; in consequence, an Intimate Secretary's Lodge was opened, and 
Brother James Simpson received in form, when it was closed. 

May 11 tL A meeting of the brethren in the Sublime degrees was held 
at the house of Brother Lillibridge — present, Abraham Jacobs, K. S. ; 
John Lillibridge, William More, Isaac Franks, Green R. Dukes and James 
Simpson. A Secret Masters' Lodge was opened. A letter was received 
from Brother Jacob Cunes and Master Mason and Past Master, requesting 
to be admitted into the Sublime Orders as a Tyler to this body when 
established, which was agreed to on condition that he would serve the 
body for one year without a compensation or advancing any monies to 
organize the same which he agreed to — he then was admitted and received 
the degree when the Lodge was closed. 

May I8tk. Elected Knights of Nine — William More. 

June \st. A letter was received from Brother Darius Woodworth, 
requesting to be initiated into the Sublime degrees. It was unanimously 
agreed he should be received — he was duly prepared and received this 
degree {Secret Master) when the Lodge was closed. 

June IS th. Perfection — Isaac Franks. 

June I6tk. Intimate Secretary and Provost and Judge — G. R. Dukes. 

June ISth. Elected Knights of Fifteen and Illustrious Knights — 
William More. 

June \^th. Intendant of the Building — G. R. Dukes, and Grand 
Master Architect — William More. 

July 1 St. Elected Knights of Nine and Elected of Fifteen — Lillibridge. 

July ?jd. Illustrious Knight and Grand Master Architect — Lillibridge. 

July 4th. Knight of the East and Prince of Jerusalem — -Franks. 

July bth. Royal Arch. — More and Lillibridge. 

July 17th. Perfection — More and Lillibridge. Franks and Gardner, 
from Augusta, present. 

July 2Qth. Perfection — Clarck. 

July 29th. Secret Master — John Cackles, written request. Perfect 
Master — C u nes. 



^ 



94 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

At a meeting of Sublime Masons held at Brother Jacobs, on Sunday, 
November 1st, 1801 — present, A. Jacobs, K. S. ; William More, Isaac 
Franks, Ebenezer Prescott, John Cackles, James Simpson, Jacob Cunes, 
Tyler. A Secret Masters Lodge was opened. Brothers Franks and Cackles 
informed the brethren the 111 .*. Bro .'. Emanuel De La Motta, K. H. P. 
of the R. S., and member of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third in 
Charleston, had arrived in this city, and proposed that a Committee from 
this body should wait on him and tender him an invitation to visit us this 
evening and request his attendance, which was unanimously agreed to. 
Brothers Franks and Cackles were appointed on that Committee, they 
waited on the 111 .*. Bro .-. in the name of the brethren assembled, and 
reported that Brother De La Motta's indisposition prevented his attending 
this evening, but would as soon as his health would permit. It was moved 
by Brother More and seconded by Brother Prescott, that the said Commit- 
tee again wait on Brother De La Motta and request him to appoint a 
time when it will be convenient for him to visit the brethren, and that 
they notice Brother Jacobs thereof, that he may summons all the mem- 
bers to attend, which was agreed to, and the Lodge was closed. 

November 2c?, 1801. Intimate Secretary — Cackles and Cunes. 
November Sd. Provost and Judge — Cackles and Cunes. 



At a meeting of the Subhme Masons held at the house of Brother 
Jacobs, Monday, November 9th, 1801 — present, Jacobs, Simpson, Franks, 
Clarck, More and Lillibridge, Cunes, Tyler. 

The Illustrious Brother, Emanuel De la Motta, in the chair. 
The 111 .-. Bro .*. De la Motta, K. H., and P .*. of the R .-. S.'., opened a 
Chapter of Intendant of the Buildings, and Brother Cackles received this 
degree. It being suggested generally by the brethren that it was their 
wish to put themselves under the protection of the Sublime Council of 
Princes of Jerusalem in Charleston, by applying to them for a Warrant 
and Constitutions, to establish a Lodge of Perfection in this city, and sig- 
nifying their wish to Brother De la Motta requested his assistance — they 
were informed by that 111 .'. Bro .*. that it was necessary that there should 
be at least Nine brethren in the degree of Perfection prior to such an 
application, and on its being accomplished he would make the necessary 
arrangements for obtaining a Warrant and Constitution for their estab- 
lishment. It was then agreed that the number be notified to attend on 
ITaursday evening next, when he would promote four of the brethren to 



DOCUMENTS. 95 

the degree of Grand Master Architect, and that on Sunday afternoon 
following they should attend, and he would confer on them the degree of 
Royal Arch and Perfection — the Chapter was then closed. 



November \2th. Chapter opened — E. De la Motta in the chair. 
Elected Knights of Nine — Simpson, Cackles and Prescott. 
Elected Knights of Fifteen — Simpson, Cackles and Prescott, 
Illustrious Knights — Simpson, Cackles and Prescott. 
Grand Master Architects — Simpson, Cackles and Prescott. 
Having finished the conferring of these degrees on the above, the Chap- 
ter was closed. 

November loth. Sunday. Emanuel De la Motta in the chair. 
Royal Arch Chapter — Simpson and Cackles received this degree. 
Perfection — Simpson and Cackles. 

The majority of the members of this body being present, formed them- 
selves into a convention, and Brother Clarck was appointed to fill the 
chair by the brethren, which he did accordingly. Brother Clarck then 
informed the meeting, that it was the wish of the brethren to put them- 
selves under the protection of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem in 
Charleston, South Carolina, and petition them for a Warrant and Consti- 
tution to establish the Sublime Lodge in this city, as it would be more in 
conformity to the Rules of the Grand Lodge of this State, which was 
agreed to. Whereupon it was resolved that the brethren immediately 
apply to that Council for a Warrant and Constitution for establishing a 
Sublime Lodge in this city. The brethren then proceeded to appoint the 
officers for the said Lodge as follows — 

Abm. Jacobs, K. S., Sublime Grand Master. 
James Clarck, Deputy Sublime Grand Master. 
James Simpson, Sublime Senior Grand Warden. 
J. Prescott, " Junior " " 

Wm. More, " Grand Orator and Keeper of the Seals. 

Green R. Dukes, " Grand Secretary. 
John Lillibridge, " Grand Master of Ceremonies. 
Isaac Franks, " Grand Treasurer. 
John Cackles, " Captain of the Guards. 
No further business before the Convention, it was dissolved. 



96 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED 

December Qth. Secret Master and Perfect Master — Mjer Durham. 

December ISth. Intimate Secretary/ and Provost and Judge — Myer 
Durham. 

December 26th. Knight of the East and West and P. of the Rose 
Croix — Isaac Franks. 

January lOth^ 1802. Secret Master and Perfect Master — Dr. Moses 
Shiftall. 

November \6ih. 1802. Intimate Secretary^ Provost and Judge, smd 
Intendant of Building — Shiftall. 

November 11 th. Intendant of the Building — ^Dukes. 

November 18th. Elected Knights of Nine — Shiftall and Dukes. 

November 19th. Elected Knights of Fifteen, Grand Master Architect 
— Shiftall and Dukes. 

November 20th. Royal Arch and Perfection — Shiftall and Dukes. 



State of Georgia, ) 

City of Savannah. $ 

At a Convention of the Sublime Masons in the city and State aforesaid, 
held at the house of Brother Abraham Jacobs, K. S., on Sunday after- 
noon, 21st November, 1802. Present, Abraham Jacobs, K. S. ; Isaac 
Franks, Rose Croix ; James Clarck, James Simpson, G. R, Dukes, John 
Cackles, William More, Moses Shiftall. 

A motion was made by Brother Jacobs and seconded by Brother 
Simpson that a Chairman be appointed to this Convention and also a 
Secretary. Brother James Clarck was unanimously elected to fill the 
Chair, and Brother More as Secretary — they accordingly took their 
respective seats. 

Brother Jacobs informed the meeting that the number of Nine Grand 
Elect Perfect and Sublime Masons were now completed, and as it was the 
wish of the brethren to apply to the Council of Princes of Jerusalem for 
a Charter and Constitution in Charleston, South Carolina, so that they 
might be established under their Jurisdiction in this city ; he thought it 
advisable to do it as early as possible, whereupon it was resolved that the 
nomination of officers to fill the offices of this Lodge on the 15th Novem- 
ber, 1801, be deemed null and void and of no effect. 

Resolved, that this meeting immediately proceed and appoint officers to 
govern this Lodge. The following named brethren were then duly 
elected — 



DOCUMENTS. 97 

Abm. Jacobs, K S., S. S. G. M., M. Shiftall, S. J. G. W., 
J. Clarck, Deputy S. G. M., Wm. More, S. G. Orator and K of S 

J. Simpson, S. s/g. W., J. Cackles, G. M. of C, 

Wm. Crawford, C. of the G., Isaac Franks, S. G. P., 
G. E. Dukes, S. G. S. 



An application to the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, being 
drawn out and presented by Brother Jacobs, it was accordingly read as 
follows : 

" To the Thrice Respectable, the President and Members of the Coun- 
cil of Princes of Jerusalem, lawfully established in the city of Charleston,, 
and State of South Carohna. 

IjMX ex Tenebris. 

" Illustrious Brethren : 
" We, the undersigned Knights, Princes and Perfect Sublime Masons,, 
feeling the most anxious desire of disseminating the secrets of Sublime 
Masonry to the Worthy, and willing to contribute all in our power to so- 
laudable a purpose. We do hereby solicit your respectable body to grant 
us a Warrant to initiate in the Sublime degrees, such worthy brethren as 
from their zeal may be entitled to, and desirous of being enlightened. We 
promise to pay a rigid observance on our part, to the rules prescribed by- 
our Order, and the regulations you may transmit us. We wish if our 
request is granted to have the following brethren named as Officers in the 
Warrant, viz : 

Abm. Jacobs, S. G. M., James Clarck, D. S. G. M., 

James Simpson, S. G. S. W., Moses Shiftall, S. G. J. W., 

Isaac Franks, S. G. T., Green R. Dukes, S. G. S., 

W. More, S. G. 0. and K. of the S., John Cackles, G. M. C, 

Wm. Crawford, Captain of the Guards. 
Your kind and brotherly compliance to this our request will be confer- 
ring a favor on your affectionate Brethren, 

A. Jacobs, S. G. M., Moses Shiftall, S. P. M., 

J. Clarck, S. P. M., Isaac Franks, P. of J., 

J. Simpson, S. P. M., Green R. Dukes, S. P. M., 

Wm. More, S. P. M.., John Cackles, S. P. M., 

Wm. Crawford, P. of J. 



98 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Savannah, State of Georgia, ) 

25^A, Hesvan, 4488, 2lst November^ 1802. 3 

Resolved, that the foregoing application be filled up and immediately 
signed, which was unanimously agreed to and complied with accordingly. 

It was moved and seconded that a standing Committee be appointed 
to this meeting, and that they be impowered in behalf of the members to 
frame a letter to the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, and inclose our 
application to them for a Warrant of Constitution ; also to write another 
letter to our Illustrious Brother Emanuel D. L. Motta, and inclose the 
above-mentioned papers to him, requesting him to use his injfluence in 
the Council in our behalf. 

Resolved, that Brother Abraham Jacobs, James Clarck and William 
More, be that Committee. 

Resolved, that the Committee lose no time in carrying the aforegoing 
business into effect with all possible dispatch. 

Resolved, that whatever expenses may accrue in procuring the said 
Warrant, Constitution and By Laws, shall be immediately paid by this 
meeting. 

Resolved that this meeting will attend the call of their Committee at 
any time they may have business to lay before them. 

Resolved, that this meeting be adjourned. Wm. More, Sec'y. 



November 23c?, 1802, At a meeting of the Committee appointed by 
the Sublime Masons in this city, the 21st of November, 1802, all the 
Committee present, when the following was agreed should be forwarded 
to the Council of Princes of Jerusalem in Charleston, South Carolina : 



Savannah, 29 Hesvan, 4488. ) 
24th November, 1802. f 

To the Thrice Respectable, the President and Members composing the 
Council of Princes of Jerusalem, in Charleston, South Carolina. 

Respectable Brethren : 

We, the undersigned, being appointed a Committee of Nine Grand 
Elect Perfect and Sublime Masons, in their behalf we take the liberty of 
addressing your respectable Council. The brethren here having a wish 
to estabhsh the Sublime Lodge in this place under your jurisdiction, 
induces us to take the earliest opportunity of inclosing an application from 
them to your Council, requesting you to grant us a Warrant and Constitution 



DOCUMENTS. 99 

to establish the Sublime Orders in Savannah. Although many of the 
mentibers that compose your respectable Council may be unacquainted with 
your applicants, we flatter ourselves from the information our Illustrious 
and Respectable Brother, E. D. L. Motta and others can give you, will 
satisfy your minds with respect of the LEOALiir in which we have received 
our degrees as well as of our characters, on being satisfied in your minds 
on that head, we content ourselves with the pleasing idea of your cheer- 
fully complying in our request, by which means we shall be able to 
establish the Sublime orders under your jurisdiction on permanent basis. 
We have all our work and drafts, but the By-laws we are in want of, 
which no doubt will be transmitted by you. Should our sanguine wishes 
to be gratified by the members composing your respectable Council, and a 
Warrant and Constitution be granted under your jurisdiction, we earnestly 
solicit the Warrant <fec., may be forwarded, so that the Lodge may be 
organized prior to St. John's day next. 

We request to be informed of the expense that may accrue, and the 
money will be either forwarded or paid to your order as may be most 
agreeable. In behalf of the brethren of this city you have our warmest 
wishes for your future prosperity, and remain, 
• With due respect, your affectionate brethren, 

Abm. Jacobs, j 

James Clarck, >■ Committee of Sublime Masons in Savannah, Ga. 

Wm. More, ) 

which letter was signed by the Committee and sent by Brother Franks 
by post, who paid postage jVo, the Committee then adjourned. 



At a meeting of the Sublime Masons in the city of Savannah, and 
State of Georgia, on the 6th day of Tebeth, 4488, corresponding to the 
30th December, 1802, at the house of Brother Abraham Jacobs, K. S., 
for the purpose of receiving their Warrant and Constitution from the 
Sublime Grand Council of Princes of eferusalem in Charleston, South 
Carolina, agreeable to an application from the brethren at this place, held 
the 25th Hesvan and 21st November, 1802. Present- 
ABM. Jacobs, K. S., Wm. More, 
James Clarck, Moses Shiftall, 
Isaac Franks, John Cackles, 
James Simpson, Jacob Cones, Tyler. 



IjOO SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

A Secret Masters Lodge was opened in due form, when Brother Jacobs 
informed the brethren that the Committee had received a letter from the 
Illustrious President of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem in Charleston, 
dated the 16th inst., notifying them that the Council had, with unanimous 
consent, granted them a Constitution and Warrant for holding and 
establishing a Sublime Lodge in this city, and that they had impowered 
our Illustrious Brother, Alexander Placid, P. R. S., to deliver the papers 
and install the Lodge, by the name of the Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime 
Lodge No. 2, agreeable to the Constitution. The Committee then pro- 
duced and read the letter which met the approbation of the brethren. 
Brother Placid attended. The members demanded his authority, which 
he sent forward, it being read and properly signed and sealed, fully 
authorizing Brother Placid to install the Officers, it was returned to him. 

A deputation of three brethren waited on our Ilustrious Brother Alex- 
ander Placid ; on his being announced, he was received with the honors 
due to his rank and Masonic station and placed in the chair. He then 
produced the Warrant, Constitution and By-laws, which were read in 
rotation and unanimously accepted, after w^iich he presented the brethren 
■with a Submission, which was read and signed by each brother, and 
returned to him. Brother Placid then proceeded to install the Officers 
in rotation, and proclaimed the Lodge according to ancient Custom and 
Usage. 

Agreeable to a resolve passed the 21st November last by the members 
in Convention, Brother Franks, S. G. T., paid into the hands of our 
Illustrious Brother A. Placid, fifty dollars, the amount of the bill presented 
by him from the Grand Council of the Princes of Jerusalem, for which 
sum Brother Placid gave the Treasurer a receipt in full. 

On motion of the Thrice Puissant Grand Master and seconded by 
Brother Shiftall, Resolved, that the Constitution of this Lodge be pub- 
lished twice in all the newspapers of this city, agreeable to an advertise- 
ment left in the hands of the Sublime Grand Master. Brother Cackles, 
Grand Master of Ceremonies, was requested to furnish a tin case for the 
better securing the Warrant an^ Constitutions of their Lodge, which was 
unanimously agreed to. 

Brothers Crawford and Dukes being absent from this city, it was agreed 
that this Lodge would meet on their arrival, to install them in their 
respective offices. 

The thanks of this Lodge was returned to our Illustrious Brother 
Placid for the early attention he paid to the installation of this Lodge, and 
for the pathetic charge he delivered on the occasion. No further business 



DOCUMENTS. 101 

before the Lodge, the Lodge was closed. A genteel supper was pre- 
pared, which all the brethren enjoyed and parted at high 12 at night. 



J Seal. ( 



Abm. Jacobs, S. G. M., and K. S, 



REMARKS BY THE AUTHOR. 

This is the third set in Georgia — being eleven in number — and is made 
successful by the timely arrival of De La Motta from Charleston. He 
had been made a Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty- 
third degree^ and Illustrious Treasurer General of the Holy Empire in 
the United States of America in the month of February of that year, and 
one would have supposed that when he arrived at Savannah, and dis- 
covered that Brother Jacobs was doing a work for which he had no 
authority (he being a ^'•Knight of the Sun " only,) he would have called 
him to a strict account. But instead of pursuing this course, he enters 
into the work with Jacobs, heart and hand, and succeeds in forming the 
brethren into a Lodge and Council, out of which comes Fifty dollars. 

This is the body alluded to in the Charleston document, viz. : 

"On the 4th December, 1802, Constitutive Charters were delivered 
under the seal of the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, for the 
estabhshment of a Sublime Grand Lodge in Savannah, Georgia." 

The candidates were initiated by Abraham Jacobs, and " rung in " by 
the Illustrious Emanuel, and as he, at that time and long after, was the 
Council at Charleston, he probably got the largest part of the fifty 
dollars. 

His visit to New York city in 1813 did not terminate so successfully. 
He did not make any money by the journey, and found a very different 
class of men with whom he had to deal. Hence his furious denuncia- 
tions of poor Cerneau with " his abettors and followers^ He was not 
even noticed by the Fraternity, and but little was afterward heard of 
" De La Mottay That visit proved a complete overthrow to him, and 
he " retired^ 



102 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

STATE AND CITY OF NEW YORK, 
SEPTEMSEU 23d, 1804. 

Conferred the degree of a Master Mark Mason on Brother Joseph 
Jacobs, a Royal Arch Mason. 

October 4:th. Brother Joseph Jacobs, an old Royal Arch Mason having 
signified by letter his desire of receiving the Sublime degrees, taking into 
view the uncertainty of life and death, and in case of the latter not know- 
ing into whose hands my papers may fall, determined to confer the 
Sublime degrees on him, on his being qualified to receive my papers in 
case of death, and return them to the Supreme Council at Charleston, 
South Carohna ; in consequence of which conferred on him the degree of 
Secret Master and Perfect Master. 

October 1th. Intimate Secretary and Provost and Judge — Jacobs. 

October 15th. Intendant of the Buildings and Elect of iVme— Jacobs. 

October \Sth. Elect of Fifteen and Illustrious Knights — Jacobs. 

October Zlst. Grand Master Architect — Jacobs. 

March Sd, 1805. Brother Daniel McCormack petitioned to receive the 
Sublime degrees, in order to endeavor to establish the Sublime Lodge in 
this city. Conferred on him the degree of Secret Master and Perfect 
Master. 

March Slst. Royal Arch — Joseph Jacobs. 

June 2d. Perfection — Joseph Jacobs. 

June Ath. Knights of the East — Joseph Jacobs. 

June 6 th. Prince of Jerusalem — Joseph Jacobs. 

June ^th. Knights of the Ea&t and West — Jacobs. 

June 1 Sth, Sovereign Prince Rose Croix — Jacobs. 

June 20th. Grand Pontiff — Jacobs. 

July bth. Patriarch Noachite and Prince of Libanus — Jacobs. 

January 19th, 1806. Received an application from Brother Thomas 
Lownds, a Royal Arch Mason, requesting to receive the Sublime degrees, 
in expectation of establishing the orders in this city, conferred on him the 
degrees of Secret and Perfect Master. 

February 2d. Intimate Secretary and Provost and Judge — Thomas 
Lownds. 

July Sth. Finding myself very ill, sent for Brother Joseph Jacobs, and 
conferred on him the degree of Knight of the Sun, delivering him a cer- 
tificate, check-book and the key of my papers, also orders what to do with 
them in case of my death. 



DOCUMENTS. 103 

December Slst, 1807. Received an application from Brother Sampson 
Simpson and Isaac Moses, both Master Masons and Masters of the Secrets 
of the Oriental Chair, requesting rae to instruct them in the Sublime 
degrees ; from a thorough knowledge of them from their youth, conferred 
on them the degrees of Secret Master and Perfect Master. 

January Sd, 1808. Intimate Secretary and Provost and Judge — 
Simpson and Moses. 

January bth. Provost and Judge and Intendant of the Buildings — 
Simpson and Moses. 

January ^th. Elect of Nine and Elect of Fifteen — Simpson and 
Moses. 

January \()th. Plustrious Knights and Grand Master Architects — 
Simpson and Moses. 

January lith. Royal Arch — Simpson and Moses. 

January 11th. Perfection — Simpson and Moses. 

January 20th. Knights of the East — Simpson and Moses. 

January 2oth. Prince of Jerusalem — Simpson and Moses. 

February 4th. Brother Isaac Moses signed his submission, and received 
his certificate with a check-book. 

March 21 th. Brother Sampson Simpson signed his submission, received 
his certificate and copies of the degrees as far as Prince of Jerusalem with 
the plates. 

August Uh. Intendant of the Building and Elected Knight of Nine^ 
Thomas Lowndes. 

August 8th. Elect of Fifteen and Illustrious Knights — Lowndes. 

Angust I6th. G-rand Blaster Architect — Lowndes. 

August 19th. Royal Arch — Lowndes. 

August 2ith. Perfection — Lowndes. 

August 26th. Knight of the East — Lowndes. 

August 30th, Prince of Jeruscdem — Lowndes. 

September 1st, 1808. This day received an application from Brother 
John E. Runkle, Jeremiah Shotwell and William J. Hunter, all Master 
Masons, and having passed the Oriental Chair in this city, recommended 
by and introduced by Brother Thomas Lowndes, H. Priest of Jerusalem 
Chapter, and P. of Jerusalem, requesting to be initiated in the Sublime 
degrees, in order to establish a Sublime Lodge in this city. Conferred on 
them the degree of Secret Master. 

September 2d. Perfect Master and Intimate Secretary — Runkle, Shot- 
well and Hunter. 



104 SCOTTISH EITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

September bth. Provost and Judge and Intendant of the Buildings 
— Runkle, Shotwell and Hunter. 

Brother Andrew Sitcher was recommended by the above brethren and 
received Secret and Perfect Master. 

September Qtk Int. Sec'y^ Provost and Judge and Intendant of the 
Buildings — Sitcher. 

September Sth. Secret Master and Perfect Master — S. Phelps and 
John Clough. 

September 1 0th. Elect of Nine ^nd p]lect of Fifteen — Hunter, Sitcher, 
Shotwell and Runkle ; also Intimate Secretary, Provost and Judge and 
Intendant of the Buildings — Clough and Phelps ; also Secret and Per- 
fect Master on Benjamin Aycrigg. 

September 20tk. Sublime Knights Elect and Grand Master Architect 
— Hunter, Shotwell, Runkle and Sitcher ; Intimate Secretary, Provost 
and Judge and Intendant of the Buildings — Aycrigg. 

September 28th. Meet of Nine and Elect of Fifteen — Clough and 
Phelps. 

September 29th. Secret Master and Perfect Master — Stephen Scudder. 

September ZOth. Intimate Secretary, Provost and Judge — Scudder ; 
Elect of Nine and Elect of Fifteen — Aycrigg ; Illustrious Knights and 
Grand Master Architect — Clough and Phelps ; Secret Master and Per- 
fect Master on Joel Hart. 

October \st. Secret Master and Perfect Master — Mordecai Myers, 
Richard Riker, Samuel Riker, Daniel Beach and William F. Stewart. 

October 2d. Int. Secretary, Provost and Judge — Richard Riker, 
Myers, S. Riker, Stewart and Beach ; Elect of Fifteen and Illustrious 
Knight — Scudder. 

October Sd. Intendant of the Building, Elect of Nine — R. and S. 
Riker, Beach, Hart, Myers and Stewart; Grand Master Architect — 
Scudder. 

October 4th. Elect of Fifteen — Richard and Samuel Riker, Beach, 
Hart, Myers and Stewart. 

October 6th. Illustrious Knights and Grand Master Architect — R. 
and S. Riker, Beach, Hart, Myers and Stewart. 

October Sth. Royal Arch — Hunter, Shotwell, Clough, Runkle, Phelps 
and Sitcher. 

October Qth. Perfection — Runkle, Sitcher, Hunter, Shotwell, Phelps 
and Clough. 

October lOth. Illustrious Knight and Grand Master Architect — 
Aycrigg. 



DOCUMENTS. , 105 

October 13 th. Knights of the East — Hunter, Sbotwell, Sitcher, Clough, 
Phelps and Runkle. 

October lith. Eoyal Arch — R. and S. Riker, Beach, Hart, Myers, 
Aycrigg, Scudder and Stewart. 

October ^Oth. Perfection — Richard Riker, Beach, Hart, Myers, Aycrigg, 
Scudder and Stewart. 

October 22d. Knights of the East — Richard and Samuel Riker, Beach, 
Hart, Myers, Aycrigg, Scudder and Stewart. 

October 23d. Prince of Jerusalem — Shotwell, Runkle, Stewart, Hun- 
ter, Sitcher, Clough and Phelps. 

October 2Qth. Prince of Jerusalem — Richard Riker, Samuel Riker, 
Beach, Hart, Myers, Aycrigg and Scudder. 



The Brethren all being present, were anxious to form themselves into a 
Convention, in order to elect the Officers for the Council as well as for the 
Elect, Grand Perfect and Sublime Lodge, induced me to determine to pro- 
mote the Officers in the Council and the Master and Deputy Master for 
the Sublime Lodge to the degree of K. S., agreeable and in conformity 
to Constitution and By-laws. It was moved and seconded that the 
Brethren present form themselves into a Convention, which was unani- 
mously agreed to. Present — 

Bro. Thomas Lownds, Abm. Jacobs, 

Sampson Simson, Richard Riker, 

Jeremiah Shotwell, Benjamin Aycrigg, 

William J. Hunter, Stephen Scudder, 

John E. Runkle, Joel Hart, 

Andrew Sitcher, Mordecai Myers, 

John Clough, William Stewart, 

John Phelps, Joseph Jacobs. 

It was moved and seconded that Brother Abraham Jacobs take the 
Chair, which was unanimously agreed to. It was moved and seconded 
that Brother act as Secretary to this Convention, whicli was 

unanimously agreed to. It was moved and seconded that the Officers to 
fill the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, be elected out of the brethren 
present, which was unanimously agreed to. The brethren then proceeded 
to vote, when it appeared that the following brethren were duly elected 
by a unanimous vote — 

Brother Richard Riker, Esq., Attorney General, M. E., 
Sampson Simson, Esq., Attorney at Law, Scribe. 



106 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Col. Andrew Sitcher, 
Daniel Beach, Esq., 
Jeremiah Shotwell, 
Joseph Jacobs, Tyler. 
The brethren then unanimously nominated and appointed the follow- 
ing brethren, Officers of the Sublime Lodge of Perfection — 
Brother Mordecai Myers, S. G. M., 

John E. Runkle, D. S. G. M., 
Wm. J. Hunter, S. G. S. W., 
Wm. F. Stewart, S. G. J. W., 
Benjamin Aycrigg, S. G. T., 
Samuel Riker, S. G. S., 
Joel Hart, G. O. and Keeper of the Seals, 
John Clough, Captain of the Guards, 
S. Scudder, Assistant " " " 

Resolved, That all the brethren meet at the Washington Lodge Room 
on the third day of November ensuing, to obtain certificates and sign 
their submission, which was agreed to. 

Resolved, That the Officers of the Council and Lodge be then installed, 
■which was agreed to. 

Resolved, That this meeting be closed, which was agreed to. 



October 29th, 1808. Conferred the degrees of East and West and 
Sovereign Prince of the Rose Croix, on Brothers Mordecai Myers, Rich- 
ard Riker, Sampson Simson, John E. Runkle, Thomas Lownds, Jere- 
miah Shotwell, Daniel Beach and Andrew Sitcher. 

October Z\st. Conferred the degrees of Grand Pontiff and Grand 
Master, ad vitam, on Brothers Mordecai Myers, Richard Riker, John E. 
Runkle, Thomas Lownds, Sampson Simson, Jeremiah Shotwell, Daniel 
Beach and Andrew Sitcher. 

November 1st. Conferred the degrees of Patriarch Noachiie and 
Knight of the Royal Axe, on the above-named brethren, cited the 3 1st 
October. 

November Sd. This day met at the Washington Lodge Room at an 
early hour, and conferred the degree of K. S. on Brothers Richard Riker, 
Mordecai Myers, Sampson Simson, Thomas Lownds, John E. Runkle, 
Jeremiah Shotwell, Andrew Sitcher and Daniel Beach. 

At a meeting of the Sublime Masons in the city of New York, held at 
the Washington Lodge Room, the 13th day of Hesvan, 5596, and 2d 



DOCUMENTS. 107 

November, 1808, agreeable to a resolution in Convention on the 26th 
October last. Present — 

A. Jacobs, K. S., Samuel Riker, 

Richard Riker, Daniel Beach, 

Sampson Simson, Benjamin Aycrigg, 

Jeremiah Shotwell, Stephen Scudder, 

William J. Hunter, Joel Hart, 

John D. Runkle, Mordecai Myers, 

Andrew Sitcher, Wm. Stewart, 

John Clough, Joseph Jacobs, 

John Phelps. 
The brethren all had their certificates signed, and subscribed their 
names to the submission. 

The Council of Princes of Jerusalem was opened by the Founder, and 
the Officers of the Council installed and organized and closed. The Lodge 
of Perfection was then opened by the Founder, after which, Brother 
Richard Riker was placed in the Chair, and he installed Brother Mordecai 
Myers as Sublime Grand Master of the Sublime Lodge of Perfection, and 
placed him in the Chair, who installed the other officers and closed. 

November Wih^ 1808. This day Mr. Mulligan and a French gentle- 
man {J. Cerneau) called on rae at the school about 11 o'clock, informed 
me, their visit was as a Committee from a Council of Princes of Jerusa- 
lem, to desire my attendance on them as they were then sitting. 

I replied, " / know no such body of men but the one I had established^ 
and in order to prevent any other such body from infringing on the 
Constitution and Ancient Landmarks, we had made ourselves public by 
advertizing in the public prints of this city, and would say nothing 
furtlier on the subject.^'' They asked what reply they should return to 
their Council. I told them, ^^ it was out of my povjer to wait on 
them.'' 

At a meeting of the Sublime Masons, Princes of Jerusalem and 
Knights of the Sun, held at the Whitehall Washington Lodge Room, on 
the 16th day of Hesvan, 5569, and 6th of November, 1808. Present — 

Abm. Jacobs, K. S. and K. H., Daniel Beach, 
Thomas Lownds, Sampson Simson, 

Andrew Sitcher, Richard Riker, 

Jeremiah Shotwell, John E. Runkle, 

Mordecai Myers, Joel Hart, 

Joseph Jacobs. 



108 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

A Council of Princes of Jerusalem was opened at the request and 
solicitation of the brethren — our Illustrious Brother, John G. Tardy, K. 
H., P. of the R, S„ and Deputy Inspector General, attended the Council 
in company with the Illustrious Brethren John James Joseph Gourgas 
and Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, K. H. and P. of the R. S. Brother 
Tardy having produced his Warrant and other credentials, investigated 
our proceedings, sanctioned and approved of the same, and promised his 
protection and every assistance in his power, whereupon he was pleased to 
place our Illustrious Brother, Richard Riker, Thrice Equitable in the 
Chair, delivered him the Constitution, and invested him with all the 
powers and prerogatives relating to the same by an instrument under his 
hand and seal, which was delivered in the presence of our Illustrious 
Brothers Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, John James Joseph Gourgas and 
John Baptiste Desdoity, K. H. and P. of the R. S. 

It was moved and seconded, that a Committee of Five be appointed to 
correspond with all the Supreme Councils and Sublime Lodges, which 
was unanimously agreed to, and the under-named brethren were duly 
chosen — 

Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, John James Joseph Gourgas, 

Sampson Simson, Abraham Jacobs. 

Brother Tardy was pleased to tender his services to the said Commit- 
tee, which were cordially accepted. It was moved and seconded that a 
Committee of Three be appointed to prepare a code of By-laws for the 
Council, which was agreed to. Brothers Beach, Sitcher and A. Jacobs 
were duly appointed. No further business, the Council was closed. 

Sampson Simson, Secretary, 



Copy of a letter to the Thrice Illustrious Brethren, Col. John Mitchell, 
Commander of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third, and to the mem- 
bers composing the said Council in Charleston, South Carolina — 

New York, lith of November, 1808. 

HEALTH, STABILITY, POWER. 

Most Respectable and Illustrious Brethren : 
It is with pleasure I inform you that I have, by request of some of the 
most respectable citizens. Master Masons of the Blue Lodge, and many of 
them members of the Royal Arch Chapter established in this community, 



DOCUMENTS. 109 

conferred on them the Subhme degrees of Masonry and established a 
Council of Princes of Jerusalem in this city on Thursday, the 13 th day 
of Hesvan, 5569, answering to the 3d inst., which proceedings have been 
sanctioned by the T /. Ill .'. John G. Tardy, K. H., Deputy Inspector 
General by full Patent and Power invested in him, which he has pro- 
duced to our satisfaction, and is in possession of every requisite for estab- 
hshing the Council of K. H., &c. — who, in company with our Illustrious 
Brethren, John James Joseph Gourgas, Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto 
and John Baptist Desdoity, K. H. and P. of the R. S., attended our Con- 
vention on the 6th inst., when our 111 .'. Bro /. John G. Tardy, acknow- 
ledged our proceedings legal, by granting dispensation under his hand and 
seal as Deputy Inspector General, authorizing our Council to put a 
Sublime Lodge in operation in this city under our jurisdiction, until a 
regular Warrant can be properly obtained, which proceedings was also 
confirmed to be legal by a Certificate of Approbation under the hands 
and seals of the Illustrious Brothers Gourgas, Peixotto and Desdoity, K. 
H. and P. of the R. S., at the foot of said Dispensation, by virtue of 
which power we are now established and congregated. I've transmitted 
you a list of the members composing our Council and Lodge, and from 
their respectability, no doubt will be pleasing to your Supreme Council. 
As a Mason, I think we shall become one among the most respectable 
Sublime Councils and Lodges now in operation. 

I commenced this business on the 4th of October, 1804, and have been 
regularly progressing till its present accomplishment, on which we imme- 
diately advertized in the public papers to which refer you. No doubt they 
may be obtained from any of your printers, as there has not been known 
such an establishment here for many years past. It has made consider- 
able inquiry. A Committee has been appointed by this Council, to 
address your Supreme body — they will transmit you our proceedings 
which are now in hand to forward for your inspection, and flatter myself, 
from their legality, you will give your assent and support to the infant 
institution in this metropolis, which will afford us much satisfaction. By 
request of the members, I am desired to inform you that we shall be 
happy in holding a brotherly correspondence, and when opportunity 
oSers, be much gratified by a visit from any of your respectable Council, 
or their recommendations, your approbation of our proceedings and 
brotherly reply to this as soon as convenient by post, will be deemed a 
favor conferred on Illustrious Brethren. 

Your Aflfectionate Brother, 

Abm. Jacobs, K. S,, &c. 



no 



SCOTTISH EITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



To the Thrice Illustrious and Respectable Col. John Mitchell, Grand 
Commander of the Thirty-third, Officers and Members composing the 
Supreme Council in the Grand East of Charleston, South Carolina — 



LIST OF MEMBERS LIST OF MEMBERS 

COMPOSING THE COMPOSING THE 

€mml 0f §xmm 0f l^rw^alm, Sublime f^^^ 

NEW YORK. "" 

NEW YORK. 



Richard Riker, Esq., Att'y Gen'l. 

Sampson Simson, Esq., Att'y at 
Law. 

Thomas Lownds, High P't, Jerusa- 
lem Chapter. 

Col. Andrew Sitcher. 

Daniel Beach, Esq. 

Jeremiah Shotwell, Esq. 

Joseph Jacobs, S. G., Tyler. 



Abm. Jacobs, K. S., K. H., 



MoRDECAi Myers, M. S. G. M. 
John E. Runkle, D. S. G. M. 
Wm. J. Hunter, S. G. S. W. 
Wm. F. Stewart, S. G. J. W. 
Joel Hart, G. 0. and Keeper of 

the Seals. 
Major Benjamin Aycrigg, S. G. T. 
Samdel Riker, Esq., S. G. S. 
Captain John Clough, C. of the G. 
Isaac Moses, Jr., late of Charleeton. 
Stephen Scudder. 
John Phelps. 
P. of the R. S. 



Seal. 



2^ew York, 19th November, 1808. Conferred the degree of Select 
Masons of Twenty- Seven, on Brother Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, by 
his request. 

New York, 26th November, 1808. Conferred the degTee of Select 
Masons of Twenty-Seven, on Brother John James Joseph Gourgas and 
Brother John Baptist Desdoity ; also conferred on them and on Brother 
Peixotto, the Dublin Royal Arch, by their request. 



DOCUMENTS. Ill 

REMARKS BY THE AUTHOR. 

This finishes the " Diary,'' and the reader will notice the names of the 
brethren in the list : Richard Riker, Mordecai Myers, Joel Hart, Wm, 
J. Hunter, Jeremiah Shotwell, John E. Runkle, Isaac Moses, Sampson 
Simson and Thomas Lownds. All these were prominent men in the 
Masonic order, and were, without doubt, led to receive the degrees from 
Jacobs, believing his statement as contained in his Register, viz. : 

"October 10th, 1808. Brother A. Jacobs, then residing in the city of 
New York, North America, in which city the Sublime degrees were not 
established, &c." 

Jacobs immediately goes on with the work, and by November 3d had 
completed it, and formed the brethren into a Lodge and Council. Due 
notice was then given in the daily papers, whereupon, November 11th, 
he was waited upon by Messrs. MuUigan and Cerneau, and informed of 
that which he knew before, viz., that the Sublime degrees had been 
established in New York long before that date. But Jacobs got the 
money for his candidates, and that, with him, was the principal thing. 

The result of all this was, that before the end of the year 1809, the 
Lodge of Perfection had ceased its existence, most of the members uniting 
with the Sovereign Grand Consistory — and the pretended Consistory 
which was formed March 7th, 1809, composed of Gourgas, Simson, 
Tardy, Peixotto and Jacobs, died out at the same time. Brothers 
Lownds, Runkle, Shotwell, Hunter, Myers and others, having united with 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory, leaving the rest to themselves. Not 
having a sufficient number, and finding the whole of their proceedings 
irregular, they ceased. 

And further, when Emanuel De La Motta arrived in New York, in 
1813, he established, on his own responsibilit}^, a Supreme Grand Coun- 
cil of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, Thirty-third degree, as a rival 
to the Sovereign Grand Consistory of Mr. Cerneau. Richard Riker and 
Sampson Simson were both elevated by him to the Thirty-third degree 
for this purpose. By referring to the Diary of Jacobs, we find that they 
were both his scholars. Mr. Gourgas was also taken for another mem- 
ber. It is true, that Gourgas was not initiated by Jacobs, but he was 
initiated by De La Motta himself, as all the certificates which he holds 
will prove. If he holds any other certiBcate? than those mentioned, they 
must be false, as the records of Lodge L' Union Frangais show, that 
Gourgas was initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason, June 19th, 1806. 
Therefore, all the knowledge which he is in possession of, concerning 



112 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Sublime Masonry, he must have received after becoming a Master Mason, 
which, according to the rules of that Lodge, must have been in 1807 or 
1808. He could hot have been a SubKme Prince of the Royal Secret 
before he was an Entered Apprentice Mason, whatever he may say about 
the matter. John G. Tardy was also made a member of this body. 
We have already seen where Mr. Tardy received his degrees — firsts as 
Knight of the Rose Croix from Achille Huet Lachelle, and second^ as 
Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret from Pierre le Barbier Plessis, in 
Philadelphia, October, 1807. Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Thirty- 
third, from De La Motta, August, 1813. This body, with Daniel D. 
Tompkins at its head, is the rival Council trumped up by De La Motta 
in 1813, which lived only a few years, and fell to pieces in 1818, never 
to rise again. 



x>ooxj3M:E3r»a""r ixro. xe. 



This document was printed in French and English on the 25th day of 
May, 1812. The original is deposited with the Latomia Society. It 
is signed, manu propria^ and bears the Seal and Stamp of the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory. 

Ordo ah Chao. 

Grand Consistory for the United States of America, their Territories 
and dependencies, of Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry, according to 
the Ancient Constitutional Rite of Heredom, held at New York. 

Extract from the minutes of the 25th day of the 5th month, Anno 
Lucis, 5812. 

The Grand Consistory of the United States, &c., &c. 

Considering that amongst the facts which have been so fatally preju- 
dicial to the the honor of the Sublime Philosophic Masonry, the most 
aggravating is, that of the abuse of power. 

Considering that some Deputy Grand Inspectors have, without a 
proper choice of subjects, communicated the most eminent degrees ; that 
they have even conferred the dignity of Grand Inspector General on their 
candidates, with powers to exercise every jurisdiction — whilst that dignity, 
which can only be granted by the Grand Consistories, extends its power 
no further than within their individual jurisdictions, and that these very 



l!fovl91862' 



DOCUMENTS. 113 

powers become abrogated, when he who is invested with the same, ceases 
to belong to the Grand Consistory from whence it originated. 

Considering that such a dignity cannot, in any case, be transferred by 
him in whom the Grand Consistory placed its confidence, to another P .*. 
M .'. without a formal authorization from the Grand Consistory, 

1st. That it acknowledges as M .'. vested with the Sublime degrees of 
Philosophic Masonry, those only who are bearers of Patents derived, either 
from a regular Grand Consistory, and acknowledged as such, or from 
authorities constituted by these same Consistories. 

2d. That the brethren on whom the Sublime degrees of Philosophic 
Masonry should have been conferred in conformity to general usage, by 
Deputy Grand Inspectors General in regular exercise within the United 
States of America, of the powers attached to that dignity previous to the 
establishment of the Grand Consistory of the United States, shall be, upon 
their petitions, &c. being forwarded to the Grand Consistory, or its Deputy 
Grand Inspectors, admitted to enjoy the benefit thereof. 

3d. That none of these Masons can be admitted or acknowledged in 
his degree, after the period of the 30th of November, 1812, being the day 
of St. Andrew, of Scotland, unless he can prove his having had no 
knowledge of the decision of the Grand Consistory of the 30th Novem- 
ber, 1811. The Grand Consistory reserving to itself in such case the 
faculty of pronouncing upon the merit of the claims. 

4th. That the Grand Consistory enjoins all the Princes of the Royal 
Secret, and the Deputy Grand Inspectors General of foreign Grand Con- 
sistories, residing within the limits of its jurisdiction, to conform them- 
selves strictly to the instructions upon the grand principles of Heredom 
Masonry, 

5th. That the present Resolution shall be printed to the number of 100 
copies, and forwarded to its Deputy Grand Inspectors within its jurisdic- 
tion, to the Prince Masons whom it has already acknowledged, and to be 
annexed to its correspondence. 

By Order of the Grand Consistory, 

r^.^.^^^.^ ^—^^ Augustus F. Cerneau, 

^ f \ ^ [ Grand Secretary, pro tern. 



114 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



X>OCXJI!^3E31^T' T^O. 1"Z. 



CIR C UL AR. 



The Expulsion of Joseph Cerneau by the " Illustrious^^ 
Emanuel De La Motta, 

Universi Terrarum Orbis Architectonis Per Gloriam Ingentis. 

Ordo ab €hao. 

In tlie name, and at the special request of the Grand and Supreme 
Council of the Most Puissant Sovereigns, Grand Inspectors General of the 
Thirty-third degree, duly and lawfully constituted, under the Celestial 
Canopy of the Zenith, which answers to the 32 deg., 45 min., North Lat- 
itude. 

To our Illustrious, Most Valiant, and Sublime Princes of the Royal 
Secret, Knights of K. H., Illustrious Princes and Knights, Grand,- Ineffa- 
ble and Sublime, Free and Accepted Masons of all degrees. Ancient and 
Modern, over the surface of the Two Hemispheres. 

To all those to whom these letters shall come, 

Be it known and remembered. That whereas, a certain individual of 
the name of Joseph Cerneau, a Frenchman, born at Villeblerin, aged 
50, and a jeweller by trade, residing at present, No. 118 William Street, 
in the city of New York, did, some time this last Spring, publish certain 
printed pamphlets, by the French called " Tableaux,''' signed and sealed, 
wherein he styles himself as '''■Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander 
of the Thirty -third degree, for the United States of America, their 
Territories and Dependencies, <&:c. And whereas, the only lawful body 
of the kind in the United States of America, was legally established on 
the 31st of May 5801, at the city .of Charleston, South Carohna, and 
which is recognized all over the world : I therefore, the undersigned, 
Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third, Grand Dignitary Of ficer 



DOCUMENTS. 115 

of the aforesaid Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree, in Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, do hereby, in their name, and at their special request, 
declare and certify, that having previously taken such measures as were 
expedient in all such cases ; having also ascertained that he is not of, 
nor knows anything at all ahout the Thirty-third degree ; and that 
having received no satisfaction whatsoever from the said Joseph Cerneau 
for his assuming a Degree, Title and Powers, to which he has not the 
smallest claim or right whatever ; in consequence whereof, and being in 
duty bound, to Stop, Crush and Publish all such characters, so as to 
prevent their doing any further mischief, and continue to delude and 
impose upon otherwise worthy brethren, unacquainted with the Superior 
degrees of Free Masonry. 

Be it known and remembered, therefore, that by, and in virtue of 
My High Powers, Eights and Prerogatives, as a lawful Grand 
Inspector General of the Thirty-third degree, in the United States of 
America, I do hereby publish nnd declare to the Whole World, as 
well in my own name, as in that, and at the special request of my 
Supreme Council, in Charleston, South Carolina, the aforesaid Joseph 
Cemeau, a Frenchman by birth, and a jeweller by trade, (fee, (fee, as an 
imposter of the first magnitude, and tvhom ive have expelled from every 
Masonic asylum icithin our jurisdiction ; and further, that whatever 
Masonic works or proceedings he may have performed, or put his hands 
to, ever since his arrival in this country, from the West Indies, are also 
hereby declared as unlawful, void, and totally vitiated by his last bare- 
faced imposture, and highly anti-Masonic conduct. 

That all those Symbolic brethren, and others who Have been raised by 
him and his associates in what he or they have been accustomed to call 
his or their Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, Grand Council of the 
Thirty-third, are hereby declared irregular and unlawful, and that unless 
they shall, each of them, individually, come forward, express their sorrow 
and abhorrence of such unlawful, nefarious conduct, and submit them- 
selves, according to the exact tenor of the laws, they shall also be pub- 
lished over the two Hemispheres, and declared, each of them, individu- 
ally, as ira posters and accomplices in his unlawful deeds. 

Be it known and remembered also, That being determined to sio2), and 
crush at once and forever, all such impositions as have been practiced and 
persisted in for so many years by Joseph Cemeau and others, from foreio-n 
countries, particularly the West Indies, I hereby, and in my own official 
capacity, declare, to whomsoever it may concern, that the " Sovereign 



116 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Grand Consistory of the Thirtieth^ Thirty-first and Thirty-second 
degrees^^' originally established in this city, on the 6th day of August, 
5806, by the Thrice Illustrious Brethren, John Gabriel Tardy, John 
Baptist Desdoity, Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, and John James Joseph 
Gourgas, all of them R. C. Eco., K. H., S. P. R. S., Deputies Grand 
Inspectors General and Grand Masters, under the old system, &c., &c., 
and others, has been rigorously inspected, and their proceedings approved 
of by me ; in consequence whereof, I hereby declare, acknowledge, and 
recognize them, as well in my own name, as in that of my aforesaid 
Grand and Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree, at Charleston, 
South Carolina, as being the only lawful body in New York, which can 
exist for the Northern District of the United States of America, &c. 

In testimony whereof, I, the aforesaid and undersigned, Emanuel De La 
MoTTA, K. H., S. P. R. S. Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 
Thirty-third degree, and Illustrious Treasurer General of the Holy 
Empire in the United States of America, &c., &c., have delivered the 
present, under my hand, and Grand Seal of Sovereign Prince of the 
Royal Secret, and also the Stamp of the Thirty-third, at this Grand East 
of New York city, by the 40th deg., 42 min., North Latitude, the 26th 
day of the 6th month, called Elul, Ao Mi, 5573, Ao Ls, 5813, and of 
the Christian Era, this 21st day of September, 1813. 

E. De La Motta. 

^ ..^ ^ K. H. S. P. R. S. Sovereign Grand Inspec- 

Signed,. ) tor General of the Thirty-third degree, and 

Sealed and Stamped \ njustrious Treasurer General of the Holy 

on theOngmal, ) ^ . . . ^t ■ ^ r^ o k • 

v , Empire, m the United States oi America, 



Bens Jlleuntciuc Jus. 

In the name and in behalf of the Supreme Grand Council of Sovereign 
Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree, holding its sittings 
in Charleston, South Carohna. We do hereby approve of, and confirm, 
all and every of the foregoing declaration and proceedings of our Illustrious 
Brother Er De La Motta, the Illustrious Treasurer General of 
the Holy Empire, against a certain Joseph Cerneau, who has assumed 
to himself the profession of principles and degrees, of which he is ignorant, 
and has arrogated to himself powers and privileges which never have 



DOCUMENTS. 117 

been lawfully committed to him ; and we do therefore declare, and pub- 
lish, that the aforesaid Joseph Cerneau, and his abettors and followers^ 
are unworthy of Masonic communion with any regular Free Masons, 
whether of High or Low degree, or wheresoever dispersed ; and that each 
and every of them are hereby expelled from even every or any law- 
ful degree, or Masonic Society, in which they may have been received 
or admitted, until they shall make their peace with our aforesaid Grand 
Council, upon such terms as our aforesaid Illustrious Treasurer General 
of the Holy Empire, shall recommend, and adopt for that purpose. 

Given under our hands and seals of the Grand Council of 
Princes of the Royal Secret, and of the Supreme Council of the 
Thirty- third degree for the United States of America, and dated 
this 24th day of December, 5813. 

/ ^ N John Mitchell. 



sflm ^eVwith \ ^' ■^' ^* ^' ^' ^' ^o^^^^^S^ ^^^"^ Inspector 
two Seals. \ General of the Thirty-third, and Grand Com- 

■ Y ^ mander in the United States of America. 

Frederick Dalcho. 
K. H. P. R. S. Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General of the Thirty-third, and Lieutenant 
Grand Commander in the United States of 
America. 
Issued by me, this Thirty-first day of January, 5814, 

E, De La Motta. 
K. H. S. P. R. S. Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General of the Thirty-third degree. Illustrious 
Treasurer General of the Holy Empire in the 
United States of America, <fec., &c. 



Approved by, 



Isaac Auld, M. D. 
K. H. P. R. S. Sovereign Grand Inspector Gen- 
eral of the Thirty-third degree. 

James Moultrie, M. D. 
K. H. S. P. R. S. Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General of the Thirty-third degree. 



118 SCOTTISH EITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



BEMARKS BY THE AUTHOR. 

We here have the notorious paper of Emanuel De La Motta, called 
" the expulsion of Joseph Cerneau " and his associates. It is now out of 
print, as well as the accompanying documents connected with the same, 
which has made it desirable that they should be published again, and 
placed in a form in which they can be preserved, as a standing memorial 
to all into whose hands they may fall, of the folly, and bombast, of a 
" travelling pedlary 

When it is remembered that the body from which he pretended to 
come, was a mere name without any substance — composed of five indi- 
viduals, self established — and at that time not recognized as a regular 
body by Masons of any degree — that of the five which did compose it at 
that time, two were Jews — that De La Motta, according to his own state- 
ment, did, without consulting them, come on to New York, and there, 
without any authorization^ in the character, and by^ virtue of his extra- 
ordinary POWERS, not only as Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. of the Thirty-third 
degree, but as the Most Illustrious Treasurer General of the Holy Empire, 
issue the foregoing decree. 

And when it is remembered who, and what, the persons were, whom he 
pretended to expel, from every Masonic body over the two hemispheres, 
or more properly speaking, over the habitable globe, the whole affair will 
take its place among those events, which we are generally apt to term, 
not only as outrageous, but more like the performances of an idiot, or of 
a person who was not in his right mind. 

Besides Mr. Cerneau, the following names were among the number, as 
abettors, and followers : 

Hon. Dewitt Clinton, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, and Governor 
of the State. 

Hon. John W. Mulligan, Deputy Grand Master, afterward United 
States Consul to Greece. 

Hon. Cadwallader D. Golden, Grand Senior Warden, and Mayor of the 
city. 

Martin Hoffman, Deputy Grand Master, afterward Grand Master of 
the Grand Lodge. 

Elias Hicks, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, afterward Grand 
Commander Thirty-third., with about fifty or sixty of the most respecta- 
ble and influential members of the fraternity in the city, many of whom 
were wealthy merchants, and devoted to the best interests of the in- 



DOCUMENTS. ^ 119 

stitution. See list of members, Document 20. Sucli were the " abettors 
and followers." 

The Illustrious Emanuel came alone. An inward consciousness of bis 
HIGH POWERS, RIGHTS and PREROGATIVES, Urged him forward, and sus- 
tained him under every trial. He knew that the two hemispheres were 
at his feet, he was determined to " stop, crush and publish " all such 
" characters," and after having expended all the ammunition he could 
possess himself of, in the way of talk and bombast, he penned the fore- 
going decree, and published it to the world. Having performed this 
exploit, he turned his steps toward Charleston, in order to seek the 
approval of, what he is pleased to term, " his Oounciiy In this he was 
disappointed at first, as there was still enough self respect left in the 
minds of two of the supposed members of that body, to deter De La 
Motta from accomplishing his project. But after a protracted quarrel, 
and some three months interval, he succeeded in obtaining their signa- 
tures to the document, and in that form it was issued January 31st, 1814, 
and is herewith presented, word for word. 

The statement therein made concerning the Sovereign Grand Consis- 
tory of the Thirtieth, Thirty -first and Thirty -second degree, is simply, a 
barefaced falsehood^ inasmuch as Tardy was not an Inspector or possessor 
of the degree, until the latter part of the year 1807, and Gourgas not 
until the year 1808. This has been fully set forth in the body of the his- 
tory, and in other places in the Replication, so that it is unnecessarjT- to 
repeat it here. 

The document was printed in form, and sent to every Masonic body in 
the United States. Among the number was the Grand Lodge of the 
State of New York, who returned it to De La Motta without noticing it. 
This was also the case with all the Grand Lodges, and other Grand and 
Subordinate bodies, throughout all the States. Not a single instance of 
its being responded to can be discovered, all rejecting it as unworthy of 
a moments consideration. In one instance it was replied to, and De 
La Motta chose to publish the replies in his ^'•Replication,^'' which we 
think would have been much better for him, had they been suppressed. 
There is nothing disrespectful in the replies, while they both speak plainly 
the opinion they entertain of the man. These replies may be found in 
the Replication, Document 19, over the signatures of John A. Shaw and 
Stephen Deblois, 

Following this document in the Appendix, is the reply to it by the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory, which is recommended to the reader as a 
dignified, manly, and honest report. 



120 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

APPENDAGE TO DOCUMENT No. 17. 



In I*hiladelpMay JPa, 



I, THE undersigned, Emanuel De la Motta, K, H. S. P. E. S. Sovereign 

Grand Inspector General of the 33d degree, Grand Dignitary Officer 

in the Grand and Supreme Council of the 33d degree at Charleston^ 

South Carolina, &c., &c., &c., 

Do hereby, as well in my own name, as in that, and at the special 
request of my aforesaid Supreme Council, make known to all and every 
Masonic Institution, and Brethren of whatever degrees they may be. That 
a certain JOSEPH CERNEAU, a Frenchman by birth, and a Jeweller 
by trade, residing at present at No. 118 "William Street in the City of New 
York, and who calls himself "The Most Potent Sovereign Grand 
Commander of the Thirty third degree for the United States of 
America, their territories and dependencies," is an Impostor in Free 
Masonry, and thereby stands expelled from eveiy Masonic Asylum. I 
further declare that all, and every individual made or raised by him, or 
his bodies, are Illegal and Irregular'^ also that all, and every, the several 
bodies constituted by him or them, are Illegal and Unconstitutional. 

In consequence thereof I hereby enjoin on all Masonic bodies, and 
Brethren of whatever degTees they may be, not to hold with him or 
them, any Masonic communication whatever. 

Signed E. De La Motta, K. H. S. P. R. S. 

Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thir- 
ty-third, and Illustrious Treasurer General of the 
Holy Empire in the United States of America, 

&c., &c. Grand East of Philadelphia, this 

day of January, 5814. 

N. B. Editoi-s of other papers throughout the Union, friendly to the 
Masonic institution, are hereby requested to give the above advertisement 
a few insertions into their respective papers. 

Note. This Edict followed the one issued in New York City. — Rather 
cool for De La Motta. Doubtless the " various Masonic asylums, and 
Masonic bodies, and Brethren of whatever degree in the United States^ "" 
regarded the Edict with the silent contempt which it deserved. 



IDOOTTIlfllESKrT INTO. 13. 



REPLY 



OF THE 



ijiereign ^ranb €mxsUx^, 



TO 



EMANUEL DE LA MOTTA'S 



PUBLICATION. 



DOCUMENTS. 123 

STo i\)t CSlorg of \\}t ©ranlr :3lrcl)itect of i\)t Unmxst, 

Ordo ah Chao. 

At the Orient of the most powerful Sovereign Grand Consistory of 
Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree, and Princes of the 
Royal Secret, Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry of the Ancient Scottish 
Rite of Heredom, for the United States of America, under the Celestial 
Canopy, at the Central point, answering to 40° 41 ' North Latitude. 

ia!li\{L1fia-§iri\IB[lILIlir¥-t?©Wll[E* 

Extract from the minutes of the Grand Consistory, at its session the 
28th day of the I2th month, Anno Lucis 5813. 

The Committee appointed at the last Session, to take into consideration 
the printed circular then communicated, made their Report, which is as 
follows : — 

To the Most Potent Sovereign Grand Consistory of the United States 
of America, its Territories and dependencies, sitting at New York. 

The Report of the Committee to whom was referred a printed paper, 
purporting to be issued under the signatures of E. De La Motta, John 
Mitchell, and Frederick Dalcho. 

Your Committee, in undertaking the charge committed to them, have 
felt, that this production derives its only title to the consideration of the 
Grand Consistory, from the manner in which it has been published and 
distributed. 

Had it been only communicated to those, who regularly clothed with 
the Exalted degrees, were furnished with the means to detect its absurdity, 
the dignity of the Grand Consistory would have been properly vindicated, 
in consigning it, without notice, to merited contempt. But the means 
which have been used to disseminate it, will not permit the Grand Con- 
sistory to be passive, nor to withhold from the Masonic world, the proof, 
that it is but a malicious calumny, in every respect, Anti-Masonic, and 
published with no other view, than the gratification of private malice. 

To this effect your Committee submit their reflections on this extraordi- 
nary proceeding, on the degrees and power arrogated by E. De La Motta, 
a native of St. Croix, in the West Indies, and on the authority of his two 
Chiefs, pretending to act in the name of a Supreme Council at Charleston. 

From these it will appear to what extent De La Motta has relied on 



124 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

the want of information, and on the credulity of those, to whom his mis- 
sive has been sent. 

It purports to be the act of an individual in virtue of his own powers ; 
yet aflfecting to proceed at the special request of a collective body to which 
he belongs, and must be either his act, or theirs — If his own, in virtue of 
exclusive authority in him, there could be no necessity, or even propriety, 
in using the name of the body. If its previous sanction were requisite 
why is not that act promulgated with the regular attestations, in support 
of its authenticity. Wherever a derivative authority is claimed, it can 
never be allowed, unless accompanied by a constituent act in its perfect 
form. But an approbatory decree is subjoined. Of whom ? Of the body ? 
No. — Two other representatives, without credentials, start up to approve, 
in the name of a Council, the proceedings of De La Motta : and so bar- 
ren is it of members, that it cannot supply a Chancellor, or Secretary, or 
Keeper of the Seals, to attest an important document, directed to all the 
Masonic bodies of the Universe. The reason must be obvious. It appears 
from the very instruments, no such Council ever made such request — no 
such Council, in fact, exists. 

On the 21st of September 1813, at New York (the designated latitude 
of which does not reflect much credit on the geographical attainments of 
this "Sovereign Grand Inspector General,") this denunciation is made, — 
Had it been previously authorized, a confirmation would be nugatory, — 
yet on the 24th of December following, two persons acting as individuals, 
but in the name of a Council, give their approbation : and by this very 
instrument, subscribed by them as Sov.*. Gr.*. Com.*, and his Lieutenant, 
exclude themselves from deliberating, or deciding on ulterior measures, 
leaving these to the absolute and arbitrary will of their Treasurer, an infe- 
rior officer, whose future acts, just or unjust, lawful or unlawful, they 
adopt and sanction in advance. Can any Mason or any man believe, that 
so preposterous an act, can proceed from men having the slightest know- 
ledge of the principles of our Order, or of common sense ? 

Amply as other circumstances have proved to the Grand Consistory, 
that if there ever was a Council at Charleston, it has long ceased to exist; 
no more decisive evidence could be wanted than these absurd contrivan- 
ces of its pretended members. If there were such a body, would it not 
be seen, vindicating to the Masonic world, prerogatives and jurisdiction, 
against the usurpation of which it complained, by one of its most solemn 
acts, authenticated in the amplest form ? 

Nor will the authority of De La Motta and his coadjutors, appear in a 



DOCUMENTS. 125 

more favorable light from the matter, than from the form, of this daring 
calumny. 

After some confused recitals, it declares. First, that Joseph Cerneau is 
an impostor, expelled by De La Motta from every Masonic asylum. Second, 
that his proceedings and Masonic works, since his arrival from the West 
Indies, are unlawful, void, and totally vitiated. Thirdly, It declares the 
reason why they are so. That is " by his last barefaced imposture." Now 
the only specific imposture and conduct alleged, and which is called the 
last, and of course, must be the first, also, is the publication of the Tab- 
leau, or list of the members of this Grand Consistory. This then, is the 
highly Anti-Masonic conduct by which he declares the previous proceed- 
ings to be vitiated, admitting thereby, that they were regular before. 
This absurdity cannot escape the notice of the most careless. Can the 
publication of a list of persons, composing a collective body, vitiate its acts? 
Even supposing such a measure improper, it cannot annul antecedent reg- 
ular transactions. 

Yet this is the only reason oflfered to cover the malignity which has 
prompted this atrocious libel on a valuable and zealous Mason, an indus- 
trious artizan, the father of a family, a meritorious and peaceful citizen. 

But the mahce of this production is not more apparent, than its arro- 
gance and injustice. Betraying the greatest ignorance of the Masonic 
system in the United States, it usurps jurisdiction over the three degrees 
of what is usually denominated, Ancient Masonry. 

It is well known that the three first degrees are under the exclusive 
superintendence of Independent Grand Lodges. Admitting that De La 
Motta is, in fact, a Grand Inspector General [which your Committee have 
the most satisfactory reasons to disbelieve) he has gone beyond the line 
of his duties and his powers, to interfere with that jurisdiction. 

Your Committee on the point, refer the Consistory to the communica- 
tion, giving notice of its establishment, to the Grand Lodge of the State 
of New York, in which they expressly recognize its supremacy over Mas- 
ter Masons. 

The Sov .'. Gr .*. Com .'. Cerneau, is punished and condemned accord- 
ing to the " old system,^'' " castigat audit que dolos,^'' with some 
improvements of this modern Rhadamanthus, for he will hear nothing. 
Next the associates, or members of the Consistory, are threatened with 
the same fate, unless they submit ; and this summons to answer, kept 
secret for more than three months, is, for the first time, promulgated with 
the decree of this threefold Council of single men, expelling them in mass 
"/rom any or every lawful degree, or Masonic Society^ 



126 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Did not the daring malignity of this pretended denunciation sustain 
the indignation it excites, its ludicrous inconsistency would put all gravity 
at defiance. 

As to the declaration, in favor of a Sovereign Grand Consistory, said to 
be formed the 6th of August, 1806, it is only necessary to remark, that 
those who have any knowledge of our degrees, of De La Motta, and of 
some of the persons he names, must allow that it is utterly impossible^ 
that they could have been what they professed to be. 

It is well known, that that body never pretended to any power, previous 
to the notice of its formation on the 7th of March, 1809, long after this 
was established, and its formation publicly announced. So well aware 
were the persons who composed that Consistory of its defects, and of the 
regularity of this, that after many efforts to sustain it, and much expense 
borne in no equitable proportion by many who were deluded to enter it, 
they suffered it to sink at once into inactivity and oblivion. Some 
individuals, who had assisted in its irregular proceedings, convinced of 
their error, applied for, and received the degrees depending on this Grand 
Consistory. Others, tenacious of their pride, but convinced of our cor- 
rectness, applied for admission collectively : a proposition obviously inad- 
missible, which was at once rejected, and which could only have proceeded 
from persons ignorant of our laws and instititutions, or disposed to sanction 
the violation of the obligations they impose. 

Your Committee might securely rely on the observations they have 
made on this defamatory paper, to establish its total irregularity ; but it 
is in such direct violation of the fundamental laws and institutions of 
Exalted Masonry, that they cannot refrain from showing that by these, 
that point is put beyond the reach of doubt. 

The Grand Consistory is vested with the sole power of Administration 
and Legislation, including that of granting Constitutions, in all the 
degrees which appertain to Exalted Masonry. The establishment of a 
Grand Consistory absolutely supersedes the individual authority of the 
Grand Inspectors General, in the regulation and government of the 
Order. 

As to this degree of Grand Inspector General, in rank the Thirty-third, 
the laws and regulations direct the manner in which the members on 
whom it is conferred shall be selected. It is a dignity granted as the 
reward of merit and experience. Those who are invested with it do not 
possess the arbitrary and irresponsible power, which some, who pretend 
to act under " Secret Constitutions,'' imagine they are authorized to 
exercise. 



DOCUMENTS. 12t 

Before your Committee dismiss this disgusting mass of absurdity and 
wickedness, which certainly discovers no characteristic of the Christian 
moraUty of our Order, they beg leave to draw the attention of the Con- 
sistory, to the insinuation contained in the words, " having received no 
satisfaction^ (£t.," which leave it to be inferred, that our Sovereign Grand 
Commander was bound to give such satisfaction. De La Motta has not 
pretended to allege that any regular application (which ought to have 
preceded an accusation for neglect or refusal) was made to Brother Cer- 
neau. But the multiplied abuses existing in this country, by means of 
persons falsely pretending to possess the Exalted degrees, early attracted 
the notice of the Grand Consistory, and, connected with various insidious 
attempts to take advantage of the deficiency of our Sov .*. Gr .'. Com- 
mander in the English language, and of the unsuspicious confidence of 
his character, produced a determination to have all applications referred 
to the Grand Consistory. Of this, De La Motta was apprized. He was 
told if he wished to inspect our documents, he should, by applying to the 
Grand Consistory, have all the satisfaction he required, provided he 
proved his right to it. Had he pursued this course, his conduct would 
have been conformable to that of a person clothed with lawful powers. 
This refusal indicates that he was not willing to examine too closely into 
our powers, nor to submit his claims to that investigation, which the 
Consistory might deem it their duty to make. 

After this ample exposure of an instrument which can inflict disgrace 
on none but its authors and abettors, your Committee might safely con- 
clude their labors, but they prefer submitting, on this occasion, some of 
the circumstances attending the establishment and progress of the Grand 
Consistory, which will also reflect some more light on the pretended 
Council at Charleston, which, in a spirit of appropriation, your Committee 
have no doubt, is in strict conformity with the fact De La Motta emphat- 
ically calls his. 

Immediately on its installation, the Grand Consistory gave notice to 
the Supreme Masonic bodies in Europe and the West Indies, to whom it, 
at the same time, communicated copies of the Patents under which it was 
formed. These were followed by the most ample recognition on the 
part of the Supreme Grand Council of France, an act, sufficient in itself, 
to outweigh the cavils of all imposters. 

Having heard that a Council had existed at Charleston, South Caro- 
Una, which might yet be in activity, a circular, with copies of the Patent 
or Warrant, and a list of the members was also transmitted thither, and 
delivered to the person whose name appears as Grand Commander to the 



128 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

act approving De La Motta's denunciation. No answer being received 
another was despatched, but with no better success. Your Committee 
here will just remark, that if the Council at Charleston was a regular 
body, and, deemed us usurpers, it was their duty to take instant and 
effectual measures to arrest our progress. If we were regular, Masonic 
courtesy, as well as their obligation, required them to acknowledge us 
without delay. They have done neither. 

This profound silence and neglect was, of itself, sufficient to satisfy the 
Gr .'. Consistory that the body at Charleston, if it ever had a lawful 
existence, was extinct. 

The subsequent transactions of the G-rand Consistory, were warranted 
by the High Constitutions under which it acts : and were required by 
the abuses produced in various parts of the United States, by impostors, 
who made a shameful traffic of their pretended degrees. 

Its inherent power is the fullest warrant for the extent of its jurisdic- 
tion, recognized as, at least, co-extensive with the limits of the nation 
where it is established. The public papers throughout the United States 
bear testimony to the publicity which it has given to all the acts, of which 
it concerned the dispersed members of the higher orders, to be apprised. 
Years have since elapsed, and till now, no one has had the hardihood to 
impeach its proceedings. It has persevered peacefully and successfully 
towards its ultimate objects — the correction of abuses, and the establish- 
ment, on a firm foundation, of the degrees under its peculiar care. Men, 
distinguished in the annals of our Order, have received from it. Constitu- 
tions for the establishment of Exalted bodies,- in various parts of the 
United States. 

And does this pretended Council of Oharleston, after years of torpid 
indifference, expect now to rival the vital energies of this Consistory ? If 
two or three members, the fragments of its dissevered frame (and of 
their title to be thus considered, there is no proof,) do now reside at 
Charleston, it is obvious they have made no efforts to raise it from the 
dust. They have not a sufficient number for any deliberation, or official 
purpose, according to the established laws of the Order. How futile 
must be their expectations, that, after so many years of peaceful slumber, 
three individuals could overturn, or even shake, a body regularly formed, 
respectable as well on account of its labors as of the individuals who 
compose it, and recognized by competent authority, whose testimony 
must outweigh the attempts of ten thousand such detractors. 

The Consistory, if called upon by a body competent to decide, might 
view, with triumph, the opportunity such an occasion would present, to 



DOCUMENTS. 129 

disclose all the evidence which they possess to confound their calumnia- 
tors. 

After this ample statement, your Committee are of opinion that the 
Grand Consistory should submit to the good sense of all who may be 
called on to judge, the decision between it and its accusers. With respect 
to any future attack, either from the same or from any other quarter, 
your Committee deem it most dignified and proper for the Consistory, to 
oppose the invitation for all who feel interested in their concerns, to apply 
directly to it for information. » 

Your Committee advise that the Consistory should, on no other similar 
occasion, give any other answer than that it is willing to submit its acts 
to the investigation of all whom it may concern, to make it in a regular 
and constitutional manner. But your Committee cannot hesitate to 
advise, that the Consistory owe to themselves, and the interest of Masonry 
in general, to denounce to the Masonic world, this proceeding of De La 
Motta and his associates. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

New York, February 28th, A. L., 5814. 

Signed, John W. Mulligan, Jonathan Schieffelin, 

Elias Hicks, Joseph Bouchaud, 

Martin Hoffman, A. Rainetaux, 

Francis Dubuar. 

Whereupon, Resolved unanimously, that this Grand Consistory approve 
and adopt the said Report, that it be entered at length on the minutes of 
this session, and the original deposited among the Archives of this Grand 
Consistory. 

Resolved, That the conduct of Emanuel De La Motta and his asso- 
ciates, in framing and publishing their said act against our Sovereign 
Grand Commander, and the members of this Grand Consistory, be, and 
it is hereby denounced to the Masonic world, as Irregular, Anti-Masonic, 
and Scandalous. 

Resolved, That this Grand Consistory does not recognize the said 
Emanuel De La Motta and his associates, as legally possessing the degrees 
or powers which they claim, nor as worthy of admission into any regular 
assembly of Exalted Masons. And that their pretended acts are void and 
insignificant. 

Resolved, That it be, and hereby is enjoined on all the Masonic bodies 
under our jurisdiction, to govern themselves by the tenor of these pro- 
ceedings. 



130 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Resolved, That copies, authenticated in due form, of the said Report, 
and of the Resolutions taken thereon at this meeting, be transmitted 
with all possible dispatch to the different bodies corresponding with the 
Grand Consistory in the two hemispheres ; to the Grand Councils of 
Princes of the Royal Secret, and other bodies under its jurisdiction — to 
the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and the 
other Most Worshipful Grand Lodges of the United States and elsewhere, 
under the canopy of heaven ; and to such other bodies as the Sovereign 
Grand Commander shall direct. 
A true copy from the minutes. 

By order of the Grand Consistory. 

A. Rainetaux, R. C, K. H., S. P. R. S. 

Grand Secretary. 
Sealed and Stamped by 

J. SCHIEFFELIN, R. C, K. H., S. P. R. S., 

Grand Inspector General, Thirty-third degree, 

Grand Keeper of the Seals. 



IDOOXT3VCE3I^T? IMo. T.&. 



REJOINDER 



OF 



EMANUEL DE LA MOTTA, 



TO THE 



0ljereip ^raiib €nmkx^, 



FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THEIR 
TERRITORIES AND DEPENDENCIES. 



The above Rejoinder is copied word for word, from a Pamphlet entitled 

" Documents on Sublime Free Masonry, — by Joseph McCosh, 

S.-. G.-. I.-. G., 33d/. Grand Secretary, &c.— 1822." 

The Pamphlet is deposited with the Latomia Society. 



DOCUMENTS. 133 



Universi Terrarum Orhis Architectonis per Gloriam 
Ingentis, 

IBtxiB J^eumqiue Jus, 
Ordo ah Chao, 

In the name of the Grand and Supreme Council of the Most Puissant 
Sovereigns, Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree, duly and 
lawfully constituted in the United States of America, under the Celestial 
Canopy of the Zenith, which answers to the thirty-second degree, forty- 
five minutes, North Latitude. 

To our Illustrious, most Vahant and Sublime Princes of the Royal 
Secret, Knights of K. H., Illustrious Princes and Knights, Grand, Ineffa- 
ble and Sublime, Free and Accepted Masons of all degrees, Ancient and 
Modern, over the surface of the two hemispheres. 

To all those to whom these letters shall come- 

Imperious necessity has again imposed on me the unpleasant task of 
appearing before the Masonic World in a conspicuous point of view. 
Existing circumstances, at this period, have led me to wish not to obtrude 
myself into the attention of the reflecting, hberal, and unbiassed Mason ; 
but the duty I owe myself, my friends, and those Masonic bodies to 
which I am connected, compels me, unwillingly, to step forward to refute 
the obloquy and unmerited opprobrium thrown out against me in a cer- 
tain pamphlet industriously, circulated, and said to emanate from a 
society of gentlemen, entithng themselves " The Most Powerful Grand 
Consistory of Grand InsiKctors General of the Thirty-third degree, and 
Princes of the Royal Secret, Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry of 
the Ancient Scottish Rite of Heredom^for the United States of America, 
under the Celestial Canopy, at the central point, answering to 40 degrees, 
41 minutes, North Latitude^ Deeming the language both indecorous 
and anti-masonic in its personality, I have laid aside every consideration 
which might have had a tendency to retard this publication ; nor should 
I have waited to this late hour to present this replication, were it not for 
the following reasons : absence from the city — confined by long and 
severe indisposition to a sick chamber — abstracted from the world, con- 



IM SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

sequently unacquainted with various occurrences, a copy of the pamphlet • 
alluded to, having never come to my hands until within a very few 
weeks. The charges exhibited against me in that pamphlet, I hope to 
prove to the impartial and uninfluenced mind to be a complete calumny. 
My attentive readers will have the goodness to bear with patience the 
recital of some circumstances which I pledge myself shall be in strict 
conformity with truth ; with documents, and incontestable evidence, to 
prove the correctness of my assertions, and to establish beyond the reach 
of just refutation, the circular issued on the 31st of January, 5814. In 
the early part of May, 5813, I arrived here, not on any speculative, 
office-hunting or Masonic errand, but in quest of health. Some time in 
July, a certain pamphlet or tableau, signed, sealed and stamped, was 
placed in my hands, entitled, " List of the Grand Offi>cers, Members, 
Honorary Me7nbers, &c., of the Supreme Council of Grand Inspectors 
General of the Thirty-third degree, regularly established according to 
the Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite of Heredom, for the United 
States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, held in the City of 
New York. Also the Grand Consistory of Supreme Chiefs of Exalted 
Masonry, and the Constituted bodies of its jurisdiction, Anno Lucis, 
5813. Mw York. Printed by Hardcastle d Van Felt, No. 86 Nas- 
sau Street, 1813." On the very front of which I perceive the name of 
Mr. Joseph Cerneau, in the glaring character of " Most Potent Sovereign 
Grand Commander^ Convinced that he must either have been egre- 
giously imposed upon, or that he was imposing on some respectable 
characters in the community, from a number of names which I under- 
stood to be very respectable in the city, man}^ of them dignified with 
titles which that degree does not recognize, I was led to make some 
inquiry respecting this Mr. Joseph Cerneau, and his pretension to certain 
titles ; when I received the following information from well informed gen- 
tlemen : 

First, That this Mr. Cerneau had first made his appearance in Long- 
worth's Directory for the year 1809 as G. I. G., P. S. G. C, (meaning I 
suppose) Grand Inspector General, Potent Sovereign Grand Comman- 
der (of his) Most Potent Sovereign Grand Council of Sublime Princes 
of the Royal Secret, Supreme Chiefs of High Masonry, <&c.'^ 



* It may be perfectly correct as here stated, viz., that Mr. Cerneau's name 
appeared in Longworth's Directory for the first time in the year 1809, but the 
author of the " Replication " knew very well that Mr. Cerneau arrived m the 
country, and settled at New York City, at least three and perhaps four years 
before the period named. He was repeatedly assured of this fact, in conversa- 



IMi 



DOCUMENTS. 135 

Second^ By an advertisement in the newspapers, 5th of September, 
1811, his new created body is styled, " The Grand Consistory of P. P, 
of Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry^ t^'c." 

Third, In another advertisement communicated through the vehicle 
of a newspaper, 1st February, 1812, he caused his said Association to 
appear under the new and imjproved title of " Grand Consistory for the 
United States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, of 
Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry, according to the Ancient Scottish 
Rite of Heredom, held at New York, d'c. 

Fourth, His two Sovereign Chapters of Rose Croix^ the " Triple 
Afnitie* anounced in the first instance, I expect, must have been closed as 
legally as it had been opened, so as to make room for another of a bet- 
ter description, under the denomination of the " Triple Alliance,''^ which, 
to this day, decorates Longworth's Directory ; both of which, his initiating, 
together with all his other proceedings in this eighteenth degree, the Rose 
Croix, is precisely as lawful as it would be for one or moi-e Royal Arch 
Masons, in the very place where regular Chapters of Royal Arch Masons 
should have for years been lawfully established ; to come forward and 
introduce into that Subhme degree, Symbolic Brethren, even the profane, 
then, with their help, establish, consecrate, instal, and finally publish 
themselves as having a lawfully constituted Chapter of Royal Arch 
Masons. I call upon all worthy Companions to pronounce what would 
be the natural consequence of such irregular, unwarranted and unlawful 
anti-masonic proceedings. 

Fifth, Mr. Cerneau and his society, under the denomination of 
" Grand Consistory for the United States of America, their Territories 
and Dependencies, c&c.,''^ under date of the 25th day of the 5th month, 
Anno Lucis, 5812, came out with a Grand Decree, famous for its pre- 
sumptuous ignorance, and which in itself is a Masonic enormity : therein 

tions had with Mr. Cerneau and Mr. Clinton. He was informed that Mr. 
Cerneau had established the Grand Consistory in 1807, and that Mr. Cerneau 
and Mr. Mulligan, in company, waited upon Abraham Jacobs, his bosom 
friend and coadjutor, at his Hebrew school room, November 11th, 1808, for 
the purpose of informing him, that they desired his attendance at a Council of 
Princes of Jerusalem, then sitting, &c. See Jacob's Diary page 107, Appendix. 

* The mention here made of the Rose Croix Chapter " Triple Amitie " is 
proof conclusive, that De La Motta well knew that Mr. Cerneau had resided in 
New York, certainly at the time that Chapter was formed, for Cerneau estab- 
lished it three years before it changed its name to " Triple Alliance," under 
the Grand Consistory, which was in 1809. It continued its existence in that 
form and title, up to the year 1828, and was one of the largest and most 
respectable in this country, numbering over one hundred members. 



136 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

they style the kind of Masonry to which they have devoted themselves, 
namely, the Exalted, the Sublime, the Philanthropic or Philosophic 
Masonry, dc, dc. Considering and feehngly complaining of the great 
abuses existing in this country by means of an improper choice and con- 
duct on the part of the Deputies Inspectors General, &c., Mr. Cerneau's 
Exalted, Sublime, Philanthropic or Philosophic, and Grand Association, 
&c., declare by the third resolve of their aforesaid Grand Decree, that no 
Sublime Masons, Deputy Inspectors General, within the sphere of Mr. 
Ceimeau's society, Grand Jurisdiction, " can, or shall be admitted, or 
acknowledged in their degrees after the period of the 30th Novem- 
ber, 1812, being the day of St. Andrew of Scotland, unless he can 
prove his having had no knowledge of Mr. Cerneau's society, 
advertisement, and appeal in the newspapers dated 30th November, 
1811.* The aforesaid Grand Society reserving to itself, in such cases, 
the faculty of pronouncing upon the merit of claims." So that any 
Sublime Mason of any degree whatever, descending in a direct and law- 
ful line from Our Illustrious, Well Beloved, and of Far Famed Memory, 
'Brother Stephen Jl/brm, who may not see fit to advance and range him- 
self quietly under the banners of this Most Potent Sovereign Grand 
Masonic character, before the expiration of a specified time, will, of course, 
be deemed and declared irregular, as opportunity and circumstances may 
offer. By whom ? by Mr. Cerneau and his Sovereign Grand Associa- 
tion, and therefore each and every one of the lawful Deputies Inspectors 
General within the United States of America, who have been appointed 
to their office, some of them perhaps twenty years or more before Mr. 
Cerneau came over to this country, and who have grown grey in the 



* Allusion is here made to the publication " by authority of the Grand Con- 
sistory," and which was issued as a Document of that body, May 5th, 1812, 
(see Appendix No. 16.) The very object of forming the Consistory in the 
first place, was, to put a stop to all irregularities practiced by irresponsible 
parties. These irregularities had, by this time, become serious in their effects. 
The country was full of persons who might justly be denomioated " travelling 
pedlars," upon whom De La Motta and Moses Cohen, and Hays, and Hyman 
Isaac Long, and Forst, and Spitzer and others, had conferred the degrees. 
With the possession of these degrees, they carried " their Patent, or Power," 
signed by either of these parties, and used it wherever they went. Abraham 
Jacobs was one of this class, and resided in the city. He had no regular 
" power," except that which was given him under the hand of Moses Cohen, in 
the island of Jamaica, and with this power, he conferred the Eoyal Arch 
degree, and Mark Master on "his son, although there were a large number of 
Royal Arch Chapters in the city, and up to the year 1808, according to his 
" Diary," he had initiated over seventy persons. This is what De La Motta 
calls " growing grey in the faithful performance of their duties." 



DOCUMENTS. 137 

faithful performance of their duties, are now to come submissively to Mr. 
Cerneau and his Grand Association, with their silver locks bleached in 
the performance of the hardest labors of judicious and correct Masonry, to 
be approved of, rejected, or restricted in their powers. 

Sixth, Mr. Cerneau crowned the whole of his anti-Masonic career, in 
the spring of 1813, by means of his celebrated Tableaux or Pamphlets, 
therein publishing to the Masonic world, " His Supreme Council of 
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty -third degree," himself, 
of course, as the Chief, or Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander of 
the Thirty-third degree for the United States of America, their Territor- 
ies and Dependencies, &c., which has already been denounced by us, over 
the two hemispheres, as the most flagrant and monstrous Masonic impo- 
sition that ever was, or ever can be, practiced on the Royal Order. 

Maturely considering, and calmly perpending, all the facts connected 
with the procedure of such detestable Masonic infractions — and from the 
above stated circumstances and a full conviction, that Mr. Cerneau was 
only a pretender to a degree that he was not in possession of, and was 
assuming a title to which he had no claim ; it became my absolute duty 
as a Sovereign, a lawful Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 
Thirty-third degree, to detect and denounce any imposition practiced on 
the Masonic world, by any individual. But being unfurnished with any 
Masonic documents, I wrote on to the Council in Charleston, inclosing 
them one of Mr. Cerneau's celebrated Tableaux, requesting they would 
send me a copy of my Diploma, the original being deposited among 
papers which my family could not conveniently obtain. Having received 
their answer, and a Diploma, with strong injunctions to prosecute and 
expose to view the unexampled conduct of Mr. Cerneau; on the 14th of 
September, 1S13, I took with me four respectable brethren of the city, 
two of them native citizens and two foreigners, well versed in the French 
and English languages, who were witnesses to the conversation which 
took place between Mr. Joseph Cerneau and myself, to which I beg leave 
to refer the reader as follows : 

Conversation with Mr. Joseph Cerneau, transcribed from the original. 

" Let it be known and remembered, that at the Grand East of New 
York, on the 19th day of the 6th month called Elul, A. M., 5573, of 
the Ptestoration, 2343, and of the Christian Era, the 14th day of Septem- 
ber, 1813 — I, the undersigned, Emanuel De La Motta, K. H., S. P. R. S., 
Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty- third degree ; Illustrious 
Treasurer General of the Holy Empire in the United States of America, 



138 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

&c., &c., &c., being at my own request, accompanied by the Thrice 
Puissant Brethren Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, John James Joseph 
Gourgas, K. H., S. P. R. S., Deputies Inspectors General; Richard 
Riker and Sampson Simson,K. H., S. P. R, S., do hereby declare, that I 
waited on Mr. Joseph Cerneau, at No. 118 William Street ; that I inquired 
of him if he was a " Mr. Josejph Cerneau, Past Master, Most Potent 
Sovereign Grand Commander, designated as such in a certain Pamphlet 
or Tableau, entitled ^ List of Grand Officers, Members, Honorary 
Members, etc., of the Supreme Council of Gh^and Inspectors General of 
the Thirty-third degree, regularly established according to the Ancient 
Constitutional Scottish Rite of Heredom, for the United States of 
America, their Territories and Dependencies, held in the city of New 
York, also of the Grand Consistory of Supreme Chiefs of Exalted 
Masonry, and the constituted bodies of its jurisdiction, Anno Lucis, 
5813. New York: Printed by Hardcastle and Van Pelt. No. 86 
Nassau Street, 1813.'" To which he replied in the affirmative. I then 
announced myself in my Official Capacity, showing him at the same 
time, my credentials, stating that I called as a friend, and as a gentleman, 
to ascertain whence he derived his powers in establishing a Grand Coun- 
cil of the Thirty-third degree in this city, and from whom he had 
received that degree, requesting at the same time a sight of his Patent 
and other papers relating thereto. His answer was, " He could not com- 
ply with my request ; that I, Emanuel De La Motta, must apply to the 
Grand Council of the Thirty-third degree in this city, of which he, Mr. 
Cerneau, called himself the head ; that he had made a promise to his 
aforesaid Grand Council, to answer no questions on that subject, but 
referred me to that body for an answer, although he had no doubt of 
Mr. De La Motta being the character whom he represented himself to be, 
and therefore acknowledged him in his official capacity.'^ My reply was, 
" That I could not acknowledge any body of Masons, unless I was satis- 
fied they were legally constituted. Upon his refusal to admit me to a 
sight of his credentials, applying to him as a gentleman and a friend, I 
then demanded them of him in my Official Capacity, as an object of 
right ; and that I should not leave the city of New York until I had 
made a thorough investigation of the business, which I felt myself com- 
pelled to do by his refusal ; more especially as I was particularly 
requested by the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third at Charleston, 
South Carolina, to investigate his proceedings, and those of what he 
called his Grand Council of the Thirty-third at this city of New York, he 
still persisting to refer me to his Grand Council. I then informed him I 



DOCUMENTS. 139 

should leave the city on Monday in the ensuing week ; that in the mean- 
time he might reflect on the subject, and gave him my address and place 
of residence.* 

Given under my hand and Seal at the Grand East of New York, 
under the above specified date. 

Signed on the original, 

E. De La Motta, ) g^^^^^ 

K. H., S. P. R. S. 

Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third, and Illustrious 
Treasurer General of the Holy Empire in the United States of America. 
Attest, 

Richard Riker, K. H.,-S. P. R. S.,t 

Sampson Simson, K. H., S. P. R. S.,t 

M. L. M. Peixotto, K. H., S. P. R. S., Dep. Ins. Gen., 

J. J. J. GouRGAs, K. H., S. P. R. S., Dep. Ins. Gen.| 




ANOTHER EXTKACT. 

Be it known and herewith recorded, that when on the 14th day of 
September inst, 1813, I, the undersigned, Emanuel De La Motta, dc.^ 
<&c.y dc, dc, accompanied at my own request (as before specified) called 
on Mr. Joseph Cerneau, at No. 118 William Street, the two following 
circumstances took place which I think it highly important to specify 
particularly, that they may be remembered, and serve hereafter as the 
case may require : 

First. That in the presence of the aforesaid Most Illustrious and Puis- 



^ There does not appear to be any thing amiss in this conversation, so 
pompously paraded before the world. So fur as the " right of visit," is con- 
cerned, De La Motta was correct. He had the right to go and converse with 
Cerneau, and also to take witnesses with him. He chose to make use of this 
right, and went with his witnesses. Cerneau's reply was gentlemanly, and in 
accordance with a pledge given to the Grand Consistory. So far, well— but 
when he assumed the " bully,'" under the pretence of being " Illustrious 
Treasurer General for the United States of America," and Grand Hierophant 
of the " Holy Empire," he then earned for himself the name of a mountebank, 
and became the laughing stock, not only of Cerneau, but " all the world besides." 

t Both initiated by Abraham Jacobs, See Diary. 

X Initiated by himself (De La Motta). See Documents now in possession 
of Gourgas. 



140 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

sant Brethren, I did ascertain the positive fact, that the said Joseph Cer- 
neau was not of the Thirty-third degree, nor did he even appear to me to 
possess any knowledge of that degree whatever ; or of a certain finger 
ring which was shown to hina, with which he went to the window and 
returned without comment or ceremony, hut not until he had takm care 
to examine it with a great deal of attention. 

Second. That during the conversation I had with him, respecting what 
he called his Grand Council of the Thirty-third degree, he, the said 
Joseph Cerneau mentioned positively, that he had been recognized by 
France. In testimony whereof, I, the undersigned, c&c, c&c, cC^c, here- 
with attach my name at the Grand East of New York, on the 26th day 
of the 6th month, called Elul, A. M., 5573 ; of the Restoration, 2343 ; 
and of the Christian Era, the 21st day of September, 1813. Signed on 
the original. E. De La Motta, K. H., S. P. R. S., Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General of the Thirty-third, and Illustrious Treasurer General 
of the Holy Empire in the United States of America.* 

Attest, ^^ — . 




Richard Riker, K. H., S. P. R. S., \ Seal. 

Sampson Simson, K. H., S. P. R. S., 
M. L. M. Peixotto, K. H., S. P. R. S., 

Deputy Inspector General, 
J. J. J. Gourgas, K. R, S. p. R. S., 

Deputy Inspector General. 



* The assertion here made, " that Mr. Cerneau did not possess the Thirty- 
third degree " was rather rash, De La Motta might have thought so, but it 
was probably in the power of Cerneau to have convinced him in a moment if 
he had been disposed to do so, that he was in full possession of the Thirty- 
third degree. It is not our intention to reason about the matter here, this not 
being the proper place. We think it will be sufficient to say, that all persons 
who have ever received the Thirty-third degree at the hands of Joseph Cer- 
neau, or his " coadjutors" (and the number is not small) have been acknow- 
ledged as such, and have been fraternally received by like bodies, in that 
degree. Witness, Hon. Dewitt Clinton, Hon. Mr. Mulligan, Marquis do 
Lafayette, and many others whom it is not necessary now to name. The 
Marquis de Lafayette was received and acknowledged by the Grand Orient of 
France in that capacity, also by the Supreme Council of France, and was 
Representative to the Supreme Council of France for the United Supreme 
Council of the United States, from the year 1832 to the day of his decease. 
He was succeeded in that capacity by the Count St. Laurent, who was ^ also 
made a Sovereign Grand Inspector General by the " Cerneau Association." 
Which we think proof sufficient, that Cerneau did, really, posses the Thirty- 
third. 



DOCUMENTS. 141 

I do now appeal to my readers, without, I trust, incurring the imputa- 
tion of presumption, whether my conduct appeared anti-Masonic, irregular, 
malicious and scandalous, as was so lavishly pronounced in a resolve, 
signed by the subtile and respectable coadjutors of this manifestly pre- 
tended Inspector General. What motives could have actuated me in 
applying for a view of Mr. Cerneau's papers, when I did not wish them 
placed into my hands, but merely required to overlook them ? He could 
not be apprehensive of my mutilating them, or depriving him of such 
valuable documents, being surrounded by gentlemen who would not have 
permitted such an act, had I even been so inclined. Having acknowledged 
and recognized the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree in 
Charleston, and myself as their Representative, with what color, and 
under what lawful pretence, could he refuse me full and entire satisfaction 
of what I had a right to expect, as appertaining to Masonic standing : he 
did, however, repeatedly and peremptorily refuse to let me have a sight 
of his Patents, from which circumstance, and from his not answering 
certain signs thrown out to him, I was induced to suppose, and am still 
fully convinced, Mr. Cerneau knew nothing of the Thirty-third degree, 
and consequently that he was imposing upon the credulity of respectable 
characters. But still wishing to act the friendly and brotherly part 
towards Mr. Cerneau, I requested him to reflect on our conversation, and 
that I should be happy to hear from him previous to my leaving the 
city, since which period I have neither seen nor heard from Mr. Cerneau, 
but through the medium of his Most Powerful Grand Consistory of 
Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third d.egree^ c6c., c&c, by an (to 
use their own language) inconsistent, calumniating and ludicrous 
pamphlet, published in February last. Still anxious to do no act which 
might be unfavorably construed, I waited the next day on his Deputy 
Grand Commander, when the following was the conversation which took 
place between us : 

Conversation with " Mr. Dewitt Clinton," transcribed from the 
original. 

Be it known and remembered, that at the Grand East of New York, 
on the 20th day of the 6th month, called Elul, A. M., 5573 ; of the 
Restoration, 2.343, and of the Christian Era, the 15th day of September, 
1813, I, the undersigned, Emanuel De La Motta, K. H,, S. P. R. S., 
Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third degree, 
Illustrious Treasurer General of the Holy Empire in the United 
States of America, <fec., &c., &c., &c., (fee, do hereby declare, that 



142 SCOTTISH EITB, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

having called on Illustrious Brother Sampson Simson, K. H., S. P. R. S., 
to accompany me to " Mr. Dewitt Clinton^'' we therefore waited on him 
and communicated, that the respect which I entertain of him as a gentle- 
man, and as Grand Master of the State of New York, had induced me to 
deviate from the line of my duty as an Inspector General, at the 
same time presenting him my credentials ; on reading which he appeared 
to be satisfied as to my official character, and on presenting him with a 
certain pamphlet or Tableau, entitled " List of the Grand Officers, 
Members, Honorary Members, (kc, of the Supreme Council of Grand 
Inspectors General of the Thirty -third degree, regularly established, 
according to the Ancient Constitutional Scottish Rite of Ueredom, for 
the United States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, held 
in the city of New York, also of the Grand Consistory of Supreme 
Chiefs of Exalted Masonry, and the constituted bodies of its jurisdic- 
tion. Anno Lucis, 5813. New York: Printed by Hardcastle and Van 
Pelt, No. 86 Nassau Street, 1813. He declared that it was a collusion, 
and acknowledged he had signed the said pamphlet, together with others, 
at the special request of Mr. Thomas Lownds, who had brought them to 
him for that special purpose. I asked him if he had seen Mr. Cerneau^s 
Patent, and from whom he had received the Thirty-third degree, and had 
derived his powers for establishing a Grand Council of the Thirty-third. 
Mr. Clinton replied, he had never seen any of his Patents or papers 
relating thereto, but had depended on the gentlemen that called on him, 
to wit, Messrs. Martin Hoffman and John W. Mulligan,"^ and at their 
particular request, had some degrees communicated to him by this Mr. 
Cerneau, and observed, " he conceived it rather a distinction as Grand 
Master of the Stated On my asking if Mr. Cerneau had conferred the 
Thirty-third on him, Mr. Clinton replied, it was impossible for him to 
say, as he did not recollect, and had as little knowledge of it as his 
child ; on which I, Emanuel De La Motta, &c., informed Mr. Chnton 
that I should be compelled to publish Mr. Cerneau as an impostor, as I 
was convinced he had not the powers he had assumed, but through 
DELICACY and respect for him, Mr. Clinton, that I would not take any 
steps against Joseph Cerneau, till he had first seen him on the subject. 
When Mr. Clinton requested me to suspend any proceedings against the 
said Cerneau till he should see some gentlemen on the subject. He then 
inquired my place of residence, and on being informed, replied, I should 

* Both of them Grand Officers in the Grand Lodge— Mr. Mulligan was 
Deputy Grand Master, and Mr. Hoffman was subsequently Grand Master. — 
Author. 



DOCUMENTS. I43 

hear from him. Given under my hand and seal, at the Grand East of 
New York, under the above specified date. 
Siojned on the oriofinal. 

( J E. De La Motta, K. H., S, P. R. S., ( i 

•} Seal. >- -| Stamp. >- 

Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third, and Illustrious 
Treasurer General of the Holy Empire in the United States of America. 

Witness, 

Sampson Simson, K. H., S. P. R. S. 

On the day previous to ray leaving the city, Mr. Dewitt Chnton called 
upon me at my place of residence, and mentioned that it had not been in 
his power to see his friends on that subject, inquiring what stay I should 
make in Philadelphia. I replied three or four weeks. He then observed, 
that in that time he would see his friends, and wished me to suspend all 
further proceedings, until I heard from him through the medium of Mr. 
Sampson Simson, but not hearing, either from Mr. Cerneau or " Mr. De- 
witt Ciinton,''^ and urged by ray Council to know what had been done, I 
transmitted them the circular which I intended to issue, requesting their 
sanction to it, which I received some time afterwards ; the original is in 
my possession for the investigation of any of the brethren.^ 

And now I shall endeavor, in a very circumspect manner, to answer 
the several parts of this elaborate and declamatory pamphlet, said to be 
issued by, and under the authority of " Mr. Joseph Cerneaib's Most Pow- 

* De La Motta would strive to make it appear by his statement here given, 
that Mr. Clinton had been inveigled into the Grand Consistory, and was alto- 
gether ignorant of the nature of the degrees which had been conferred upon 
him, or the character of the body with which he had become connected. But 
we think it will appear in a different light when we say, that Mr. Clinton did 
not withdraw from the said body, but continued with it in the face of De La 
Motta's anger, publication, &c., became very much attached to it, was a very 
active member, and continued Grand Commander up to his death, which hap- 
pened in the month of February, 1828. As an evidence of the truth of these 
remarks we would state, that one of the last acts of his life, was the signing in 
his official capacity, a document of a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, at 
the same time remarldng with great emotion, that he felt happy to be able to 
perform this duty for him, an old friend, and had no doubt it would be of 
great service to him. He was very unwell at the time, and died four days 
afterward. His connection with the Supreme Council and Grand Consistory 
was of nearly twenty years duration. The assertion therefore, which is often 
made, " that Mr. Clintmi changed his mind,'' is simply false. 



144 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

erful Sovereign Grand Consistory of Grand Inspectors General of the 
Thirty-third degree, dx^ Must it not appear very extraordinary, that in 
their Tableaux those gentlemen should call themselves, " the Supreme 
Council of Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree, dc.,''^ 
and a few months afterwards, in their pamphlet, style themselves " The 
Most Powerful Sovereign Grand Consistory of Grand Inspectors Gen- 
eral of the Thirty-third degree, <&c. Does it not appear very inconsistent 
to every judicious mind ? Does it not explicate their total ignorance of 
that degree, or even the principles on which it is predicated. 

To review the most conspicuous paragraphs in the pamphlet now 
under consideration, and that demand replication, it will become neces- 
sary that I quote them as published, which will expose in more glaring 
colors, the absurd and incongruous proceedings that mark the conduct of 
Mr. Cerneau and his adherents. 

" Had it only been communicated to those who, regularly clothed with 
the exalted degrees, were furnished with the means to detect its absurdity, 
the dignity of the Grand Consistory would have been properly vindicated, 
in consigning it without notice to merited contempt ; but the means 
which have been used to disseminate it will not permit the Grand Con- 
sistory to be passive, nor to withhold from the Masonic world the proof 
that it is but a malicious calumny, in every respect anti-Masonic, and 
published with no other view than the gratification of private malice." 

To whom should it have been sent, if not to Masons of every degree, 
so as to put them on their guard against the gross impositions so long 
practiced with impunity by Mr. Cerneau ? And further, was not this 
Consistory or Council, or whatever other denomination they may be 
pleased to give it, informed at the time by their Most Potent Sovereign 
Grand Commander and his Deputy, of my positive determination to 
issue MY SOLEMN PROTEST agaiust such anti-Masonic proceedings. As to 
what relates to malicious calumny, how can any one bestow such an 
epithet, from the friendly and brotherly manner I proceeded with Mr. 
Cerneau, to which, had he answered by exhibiting me his papers, or had 
" Mr. Dewitt Clinton " fulfilled his promise to procure a view of those 
papers which, if on examination had been found correct or genuine, 
would have prevented this unpleasant altercation. It was not a conten- 
tion between Mr. Cerneau and myself for the Grand Commandership ; 
it was not a competition with Mr. Cerneau to his crown of straw, attempt- 
ing at the same time to wrest it from his brows to decorate my own ; but 
IMPERIOUS DUTY as a lawful Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 
Thirty-third degree, necessitated me either to bring by friendly means 



DOCUMENTS. 145 

Mr. Cerneau to a due sense of his anti-Masonic proceedings, so long per- 
sisted in, or to exhibit him to the public view of the Fraternity — I beg 
leave to insert here the following Articles from the Grand Constitutions 
of the Thirty-third degree, as ratified at Berlin on the 1st of May, 
5786 : 

Article 9th. " No Deputy Inspector can use his Patent in any country, 
where a Supreme Council of Inspectors General is established — unless it 
shall be signed by the said Council. 

Article 1 0th. " No Deputy Inspector heretofore appointed, or who may 
hereafter be appointed, by virtue of this Constitution, shall have power to 
grant Patents, nor to give the degree of Kadosch or the higher degrees. 

Article llth. "The degree of Kadosch, and the degree of Prince of 
the Royal Secret, are never to be given, but in the presence of three 
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General. 

Article I2th. "The Supreme Council shall exercise all the Sovereign 
Masonic power, of which his August Majesty, Frederick II., King of 
Prussia, is now possessed, in recalling the Patents of Deputy Inspectors, 
for improper unmasonic conduct, &c." 

(This is altogether a new version, or translation of the Secret Constitu- 
tion, peculiar to Emanuel himself. Compare with Pikes' translation.) 

And the Patent of every lawful Sovereign Grand Inspector General of 
the Thirty-third degree contains the following paragraph : " And we 
hereby authorize and empower our said Illustrious Brother, to establish, 
congregate, superintend and inspect, all Lodges, Chapters, Councils, 
Colleges and Consistories, of the Royal and Military order of Ancient and 
Modern Free Masonry over the surface of the two hemispheres, agreeably 
to the Grand Constitutions, &c., &c." 

From the latter clause in my Patent, it became a bounden duty to 
interest myself in exposing Mr. Cerneau's impositions, for so many years 
practiced with impunity on the Masonic world. It must appear evident, 
also, that I had no other alternative in pursuing this line of conduct 
towards Mr. Cerneau after his contempt of ray repeated requests. Does 
it not seem, therefore, self evident, to a mind the least given to reflection, 
that the epithet bestowed on me of " the gratification of private malice^'' 
is completely ungenerous, and considered unfounded on the broad basis 
of correct principles. 

" To this eflfect your Committee submit their reflections on this extraor- 
dinary proceeding, on the degrees and powers arrogated by E. De La 
Motta, a native of St. Croix, in the West Indi^, and on the authority of 



146 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

his two Chiefs, pretending to act in the name of a Supreme Council at 
Charleston." 

As to the degrees and powers arrogated by me — who are they — pre- 
tending to be acquainted and lawfully vested with the Sublime degrees 
of Masonry, that are not also furnished with legal private Registers duly 
signed and sealed^ by means of which they may easily see and know, 
what the several Constitutions of the Order truly and really are, and 
learn also, that the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third at Charleston, 
South Carolina, was legally established on the 31st day of May, 5801, 
and that at that time I was lawfully initiated in Council, and appointed 
the third Grand Officer for life.* Are those Sublime Masons also unac- 



•^ It is true that the statement has gone forth from the Charleston Council 
in the shape of a circular, that the body was lawfully established on the 31st 
day of May, 5801 ; but there are a great many persons to be found who do 
not place any confidence whatever in the declaration — and for the following 
reasons : 

First, Because, according to their own showing, all the persons in possession 
of the Sublime degrees, from Stephen Morin down to John Mitchell, Frederick 
Dalcho and the Illustrious De La Motta himself, were not in possession of any 
thing higher than Prince of the Eoyal Secret, then rating as the twenty-fifth 
and last degree. This was the case in 1801. 

Second, John Mitchell, Frederick Dalcho, and the Illustrious Emanuel, 
spring up, all at once. Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty- 
third and last degree — while there does not appear to be any proof whatever, 
that there was any person present invested with the Thirty-third degree to 
confer it upon either one. All we hear about the matter is, that John Mitchell 
is a Thirty-third and Sovereign Grand Commander, then the others, &c. Now 
the question naturally arises. Who initiated or elevated John Mitchell, and where 
did his power come from ? This question has never been answered. An at- 
tempt, however, has been made to answer it, by saying that the ritual of the 
degree accompanied the Secret Constitutions. But this is quite absurd. For 
if that were the case, the original Constitution could be found, somewhere, in the 
world, from which the copy was taken. None such has ever yet been found, 
and up to 1802 none other than this one was ever known in the world. Be- 
sides, it is not at all probable that it would have been fifteen years in coming 
from Berlin to Charleston, viz., from 1786 to 1801. They w^ould, most 
probably, have known something of it in Prussia, where it is pretended, the 
rite was made. But they are in ignorance up to this time. 

And the truth is, that the Charleston people did not have the Constitution 
then, else they would have been governed by it, in regulating the degrees of 
the rite. This is more particularly noticed in another place. They have first 
manufactured the degree, and have made up and arranged the rite out of what 
rituals they had at that time in their possession. They knew nothing of the 
" Sovereign Ecossais of St. Andrew," nor the " Sovereign Judge Commander" 
These were left out altogether. The Kadosh was placed as twenty-ninth, when 
the Constitution demands it as the thirtieth. The Sovereign Judge Comman- 
der is named and commanded as the thirty-first degree. But they knew 
nothing about it, and in order to make the number thirty-three, made three 
degrees out of the Royal Secret, viz., thirtieth, thirty-first and thirty-second. 



DOCUMENTS. 147 

quainted that our Illustrious Brother Comie Alexandre Francois Auguste 
Be Grasse Tilly, a Deputy Inspector General,was initiated by the Suprenie 
Council at Charleston on the 21st of February, 5802, a Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General of the Thirty-third degree, and appointed Grand Com- 
mander, ad vitam, for the French West India Islands ? And that our 
Illustrious Brother Jean Bajptiste Maria De La Hague, a Deputy In- 
spector General, was also initiated a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 
of the Thirty-third degree, and appointed Lieutenant Grand Commander 
ad vitain, for the same islands ? To those who wish for still further proofs, 
I beg leave to refer them to the circular issued under date of 4th Decem- 
ber, 5802, by the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third at Charleston, 
South Carolina. Regular Sublime Masons must be acquainted, likewise, 
by means of their private Registers, that on the 19th day of April, 5802, 
our Illustrious Brother, the Bev. Doctor Frederick Balcho, Lieutenant 
Grand Commander in the United States of America, was appointed 
Representative of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third, established at 
Cape Fran9ois, by Illustrious JBrother Count De Grasse, for the United 
States of America, and consequently, that he is the only lawful organ of 
that body in this country. 

How palpable must it not appear to the enlightened, the extreme ig- 
norance shown of that degree by this Committee, acting for and sanctioned 
by Mr. Cerneau's Society, otherwise called. Most Powerful Sovereign 
Grand Consistory of Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third 
degree, cfcc. In making such advancement they are uninformed, that a 
Supreme Council of the Thirty-third, once constitutionally established, 
whilst a single member remains, is considered in existence ; or that a law- 
ful Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third, once appointed, 

Having dene this, they subsequently went to work and manufactured the Con- 
stitution — and since its first production, it has undergone so many changes and 
alterations that there are no copies to be found alike. 

These are some of the reasons why so many people doubt whether the 
Charleston Council was either, at that time or any other, lawfully constituted. 
And also the reason why they ask who made John Mitchell Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General, Thirty-third ? He, probably made himself such, then made 
Dalcho, and they two made the Illustrious Emanuel in Feb. 1802, which opera- 
tion he never recovered from. It folloAved him all his days in its sad effects. 
Witness his bombast, &;c., ever after, whether sick or well, at home or abroad, 
he never alludes to the Subject, as far as can be judged without calling him- 
self " The Illustrious De La Motla, Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 
Thirty-third degree and Illustrious Treasurer General of the Holy Empire for 
the United States of America, &c., &c., &c." (The most of his productions 
are thus made up, and when these titles are extracted from them, there is so 
little left that it is not worthy of notice.) 



148 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

is so for life, unless an impro^^er act or acts of his should vitiate his pow- 
ers, which, in such a case, the withdrawing of his Patents would be the 
consequence attending his conduct, and the same made known to the 
fraternity. Has this been my case ? No. The contrary will appear by 
the sanction of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third at Charleston, on 
my circular issued on the 31st day of January last. 

" It purports to be the act of an individual in virtue of his own powers ; 
yet aflfecting to proceed at the special request of a collective body to which 
he belongs, and must either be his act or theirs. If his own, in virtue 
of exclusive authority in him, there could be no necess'ity or even pro- 
priety, in using the name of the body. If its previous sanction were 
requisite, why is not that act promulgated with the regular attestations in 
support of its authenticity ? Wherever a derivative authority is claimed, 
it can never be allowed, unless accompanied by a constituent act in its per- 
fect form. But an approbatory decree is subjoined — of whom ? Of the 
body ? No. Two other Representatives without credentials, start up to 
approve, in the name of a Council, the proceedings of De La Motta ; and 
so barren is it of members, that it cannot supply a Chancellor or Secre- 
tary, or Keeper of the Seals, to attest an important document, directed 
to all the Masonic bodies of the Universe. The reason must be obvious. 
It appears from the very instruments, no such Council ever made such 
request — no such Council, in fact, exists." 

The whole tenor of this clause, as appears in the report of the Com- 
mittee of this aforesaid Society, is generally refuted in the preceding 
pages ; in addition to which I do aver, that the form of my circular, with 
its sanction, was perfectly correct and consistent with the Thirty-third 
degree, which, to those who have lawfully received that degree, is a fact 
well known. 

"On the 21st of September, 1813, at New York (the designated lati- 
tude of which does not reflect much credit on the geographical attain- 
ments of this Sovereign Grand Inspector General) this denunciation is 
made. Had it been previously authorized, a confirmation would be nuga- 
tory. Yet on the 24th of December following, two persons, acting as in- 
dividuals, but in the name of a Council give their approbation ; and by 
this very instrument, subscribed by them as Sovereign Grand Comman- 
der and his Lieutenant, exclude themselves from deliberating on or decid- 
ing ulterior measures, leaving these to the absolute and arbitrary will of 
their Treasurer and inferior officer, whose future acts, just or unjust, law- 
ful or unlawful, they adopt and sanction in advance. Can any Mason, or 
any man believe, that so preposterous an act can proceed from men, hav- 



DOCUMENTS. 149 

ing the slightest knowledge of the principles of our Order, as of comnoon 
sense." 

How futile an eflfort to cavil at geographical knowledge ? How imbe- 
cile their observations must appear, relative to the latitude of New York ? 
How irrelevant to the subject ? Of what consequence was it whether the 
latitude of New York was placed in 40^ 41', or 40, 23 ? May it not 
have proceeded from a typographical error ? But this conduct reminds 
me of what I have often witnessed at the bar in a court of justice, practiced 
by petty attorneys w^hen employed in a lame case ; to catch at every lit- 
tle faux pas, or inadvertency of the adverse party, to make the best of a 
bad case ; it may also be assimilated to a vulgar adage — " a drowning 
man will catch at a straw." 

On the 14th of September, 5813, as it appears from the attested con- 
versations ; I called on Mr. Cerneau, and on the next day, the 15th, on 
Mr. Dewitt Clinton, and on the 21st I left the city, apprising Mr. Clinton 
I should remain in Philadelphia for some time : from neither of the gen- 
tlemen having received any information, I was compelled in the early 
part of Decomber, to transmit my circular to the Supreme Council of the 
Thirty-third, in Charleston, for their decision ; and after its return to me 
with their approbation and act, I retained it until the 31st of January, 
5814, before it was promulgated. Will not my forbearance in publish- 
ing this circular appear to the candid and impartial mind, as a willing- 
ness to act consistently, or in conformity to the disposition and advice ^ 
of my Council, observing strictly the most regular and circumspect con- 
duct ?* 

"Amply as other circumstances have proved to the Grand Consistory, 
that if there ever was a Council at Charleston, it has long ceased to exist, 
no more decisive evidence could be wanted than these absurd contrivances 
of its pretended members. If there were such a body, would it not be 
seen, vindicating to the Masonic world, its prerogatives and jurisdiction, 
against the usurpation of which it complained, by one of its most solemn 
acts, authenticated in the amplest form ? " 



* But how does it happen that this expulsion is issued and printed under 
date of 21st September, certainly promulgated three months before the period 
stated above; and fully reviewed, answered and printed by the Sovereig'n Grand 
Consistory. The simple truth is, tliat it was promulgated in September, and 
bis so-called Council would not endorse it. By December, De La Motta had 
accomplished his object with them and they signed. And then published 
with their endorsement. De La Motta does not hint at the quarrel he had 
with Mitchell and Dalcho before they could be prevailed upon to sign it. 



150 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

In answer to this, it will be sufficient to refer the reader to the act of the 
Supreme Council of the Thirty-third at Charleston, on my circular.* 

" Nor will the authority of De La Motta and his coadjutors appear in 
a more favorable light from the matter, than from the form, of this dar- 
ing calumny." 

Who have I calumniated ? Have I attempted to traduce the charac- 
ter of Mr. Cerneau and his adherents ? Could it be deemed a calumny 
to hold up to Masonic view, a character who had imposed, and was im- 
posing on a number of persons, a grade he was not entitled to ? What 
authority could delegate to Mr. Cerneau, the powers to assume the title of 
Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander of the Thirty-third degree for 
the United States of America, their Territories and Dependencies ? If 
they did, how could they constitutionally give such a power to any per- 
son not lawfully admitted into the Thirty-third degree ? And who, in 
fact, is perfectly and totally unacquainted with that degree. As to any 
powers whatsoever, issuing from any foreign jurisdiction, however supreme 
it might be, a moments reflection will prove its invalidity. As w^ell 
might the Grand Lodge for the State of New York, or any other, grant a 
Warrant for the purpose of enforcing supremacy in the Symbolic degrees, 
in any of the European kingdoms. In such a case, the legal authority 
there would, no doubt, take the necessary steps to stop such unwarranta- 
ble proceedings against their own natural and constitutional rights. 

" After some confused recitals, it declares — 

" First, That Joseph Cerneau is an impostor, expelled by De La 
Motta, from every Masonic Asylum. 

" Second, That his proceedings and Masonic works, since his arrival 
from the West Indies, are unlawful, void, and totally vitiated. 

" Third, It declares the reason why they are so, that is, by his bare- 
faced imposture, and highly anti-Masonic conduct. Now the only specific 
imposture and conduct alledged, and which is called the last, and, of 
course, must be the first also, is the publication of the Tableau, or list 
of the members of this Grand Consistory. This, then, is the highly anti- 
Masonic conduct by which he declares the previous proceedings to be 
vitiated, admitting thereby that they were regular before. This absurd- 
ity cannot escape the notice of the most careless. Can the publication 

* Although the body in 1802 consisted of nine members, yet by 1813, the 
number had dwindled down to five, viz., John Mitchell, Frederick Dalcho, 
Emanuel De La Motta, Isaac Auld and James Moultrie. De La Motta was 
the chief man, and aside from the present transaction, the existence of such a 
body would not have been known. 



DOCUMENTS. 151 

of a list of persons, composing a collective body, vitiate its acts ? Even 
supposing such a measure improper, it cannot annul antecedent regular 
transactions." 

The expulsion of Mr. Josepli Cerneau was the natural consequence of 
his impositions,* and of his well fixed determination to persist therein. I 
beg leave to submit the following quere to every Mason — particularly 
the blue or Symbolic brethren. In the event that three Fellow Crafts, 
who have been regularly entered, and passed in a regularly constituted 
Lodge, should, by some unlawful means, obtain an insight into the Third 
degree, and should apply, and obtain a Warrant from the Grand Lodge, 
and under that sanction should initiate persons, and after a lapse of time 
their nefarious conduct should be brought to light ; whether such charac- 
ters would not be expelled from every Masonic institution, their acts 
deemed void and of no effect, and persons so initiated by them, pro- 
nounced clandestinely made ; and would they not be compelled to go 
over the same ground in a regularly constituted Lodge ; and should it so 
occur that one or more of them persist in their refusal, to apply to the reg- 
ularly constituted authority, whether they would not share the same fate 
with their Master and Wardens ? Thus stands the case of Mr. Cerneau 
and his adherents. Further, What Mr. Cerneau's gentlemen pretend to 
deem of minor consideration — the publication of their celebrated Tableau 
or pamphlet — is of the highest importance ; and I will prove incontesta- 
bly to the most uninformed mind, the impositions practiced, and which 
stamps Mr. Cerneau as a Masonic impostor ; and, if established, as I have 
no doubt I shall be able to do, to the full conviction of every unpreju- 
diced brother, must and will vitiate all Mr. Cerneau's former acts, even 
in the supposition of their being correct, which I by no means admit : 

First, On the first blush of this Tableau or pamphlet, Mr, Cerneau 



* The expulsion of Cerneau from " every Masonic Asylum in the two hemis- 
pheres.'' If one were to judge of De La Motta's powers by reading his docu- 
ments, they would be led to the conclusion that he was a dangerous man, and 
of unheard of importance. But when it is remembered that the body of 
which he claimed to be a member and " Grand Dignitary Officer " stood 
alone, unknown and unrecognized by any regular Masonic body in the wide 
world until the year 1828 ; that out of the city of Charleston, South Carolina, 
and Savannah, Georgia, there were no bodies of Masons which were constitu- 
ted by them ; these threats become perfectly ridiculous. Although De La 
;Motta did expel Cerneau from every Masonic asj'lum in the Universe, yet Cer* 
neau found admission ever afterwards into every Masonic Asylum in the Uni- 
verse, whenever he pleased to present himself and ask an entrance. Always, 
however, excepting the Supreme Council of Charleston; " South Carolina," of 
which the Illustrious Emanuel was the (Jhief. 



152 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

publishes to the Masonic world his being of the Thirty-third degree ; the 
impossibility of Mr. Cerneau's obtaining this Supreme degree under its 
several restrictions, known to every one lawfully initiated therein, formed 
the ground work of my inquiries. Fully satisfied of the impracticability 
of Mr. Cerneau being possessed of that degree by intuition or inspiration, 
and its communication by letter was as impossible, as obtaining the three 
first degrees of Masonry through that channel. 

Second, Mr. Cerneau's assuming the title of " Most Potent Sovereign 
Grand Commander of the Thirty-third degree for the whole of the United 
States of America, their Territories and Dependencies," could be but an 
assumption, for no Masonic institution, however Supreme, and wherever 
situated, could lawfully invest him with such a power ; it must, therefore, 
be a self-evident truth — the man who assumes a character he is not en- 
titled to, is decidedly an impostor. 

Third, By what Patent right did Mr. Cerneau arrogate to himself the 
title of Sovereign Grand Inspector of the Thirty-third degree ? Where 
is his authority for establishing a Supreme Council of the Thirty-third ? 
He has none — he has shown none — nor can he refer to any. 

Fourth, Another proof of his total ignorance of this degree, which is 
manifested in his celebrated Tableau, is the appointments of officers or 
places of dignity, and the incorrect number composing his Council ; this, 
together with the subsequent conversations which took place with Mr. 
Cerneau and Mr. Dewitt Clinton, fully established Mr. Cerneau as a 
Masonic imposter. 

The Thirty-third degree was established on the 1st day of May, 5786. 
The occasion of it I will state. By the Constitutions of the Subhme 
Prince of the Royal Secret, which were ratified on the 25th of October, 
5762 — ^^the King of Prussia was proclaimed as the Chief of the Eminent 
degrees, with the rank of Sovereign Grand Inspector General and Grand 
Commander ; the Higher Chapters and Councils could not be opened 
without his presence, or that of his substitute, whom he must appoint ; 
all the transactions of the Consistory of the Thirty-second degree required 
his sanction, or that of his substitute, to establish their legahty ; and many 
other prerogatives were attached to his Masonic rank ; no provision how- 
ever had been made in the Constitution for the appointment of his suc- 
cessor ; and as it was an office of the highest importance, the utmost 
caution was necessary to prevent an improper person from obtaining it. 
The King, being conscious of this, established the Thirty-third degree. 
Nine brethren in each nation form the Supreme Council of Sovereign 
Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree, who, after his 



DOCUMENTS I53 

decease, possess all his Masonic prerogatives over the Craft. Their ap- 
pointment is ad vitam. They are the executive body of the Masonic 
fraternity, and their approval is now necessary to the acts of the Consis- 
tory before they can become laws ; and from their decision there can be 
no appeal.* 

After this full explanation, it will be rather difficult to understand the 
following* farrago of nonsense — I allude to the report of the Committee 
of Mr. Cerneau's Grand Society, page 8. 

" As to this degree of Grand Inspector General, in rank the Thirty- 
third, the laws and regulations direct the manner in which the members 
on whom it is conferred, shall be selected. It is a dignity granted as the 
reward of merit and experience. Those who are invested with it do not 
possess the arbitrary and irresponsible power, which some who pretend 
to act under ' Secret Constitutions ' imagine they are authorized to exer- 
cise." 

Does it not put all gravity at defiance " (reverting to the gentleman's 
words) to perceive thinking men assuming to write with as much erudite 
consequence as is manifested in the above paragraph ? They speak of 
laws^ regulations of the Thirty-third degree, and Secret Constitutions, 
exactly as if they had them in their possession, when it has repeatedly 
been clearly proved, that their leader, Mr. Joseph Cerneau, from whom, 
of course, they must have derived all their knowledge and information, is 
nothing else but a pretender, and Masonic impostor of the Thirty-tliird 
degree.f 

" Yet this is the only reason offered to cover the malignity, which has 



" Here is a repetition of the story of Frederick of Prussia, &c., a mere fable 
and entirely unworthy of confidence, as has been fully set forth in the body of 
the history. That Cerneau did possess the Thirty-third degree we have clearly 
proved, therefore it is simply " silly " to insist upon his being an impostor, and 
the quere about the three fellow crafts is entirely out of place. Cerneau had the 
Thirty-third degree with all the powers with which it invested him. This 
point has been made satisfactory many times to all who have ever received 
the degree at his hands. 

f As the Grand Consistory, from its very commencement, denounced the 
Secret Constitutions, and especially those said to have been manufactured by 
Frederick, (more probably Frederick Dalcho than Frederick the King of 
Prussia) and as "they alsT) denied any authority as binding upon them except 
the General Laws, Statutes and Regulations of the Masonic order, together 
with all the boasted powers of individual Sovereign Grand- Inspectors Gene- 
ral, the reading of the above will not put " all gravity at defiance," The pow- 
ers defined by the Grand Consistory to Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, 
are to be found in their Patents, many of which may be found in the Appen- 
dix, to which the reader is referred. 



154 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

prompted this atrocious libel on a valuable and zealous Mason, an indus- 
trious artizan, the father of a family, a meritorious and peaceful citizen." 

How must the shafts of calumny recoil to the bosom of those, who so 
liberally darted them at me ? Have I traduced Mr. Cerneau's character 
as not being a peaceful citizen ? Have I accused him of mixing alloy 
ivith his work ? Have I charged him with not attending to his business 
faithfully as a jeweller ? Can any expression of mine be construed to 
have a tendency to injure Mr. Cerneau in the opinion of his friends ? I 
could have no emnity to Mr. Cerneau, as I knew not the gentleman^ 
never having seen him but once in my life, nor did I ever bear his name 
mentioned until his celebrated Tableau or pamphlet fell into ray hands, of 
which I deemed it my duty to investigate the validity, and trace the gen- 
tleman's Masonic conduct. Can this Committee of Mr. Cerneau's Society 
allude to my wishing to injure Mr. Cerneau, by preventing him from 
selling Masonic jewels, as charged against him by a certain pamphlet, 
purporting to be published at Philadelphia in the year 1810 ? 

Had Mr. Cerneau confined his high dignities to his friends in the city 
of New York alone, and had he not possessed the effrontery to publish 
this pamphlet or tableau, blazing to the Masonic world his elevated 
situation, he might, with impunity, within his circle of friends and sup- 
porters, have called himself the Emjperor of Einperors, the King of 
Kinys, the Most Potent and Powerful Commander of Commanders ; 
and even the Grand Saviour and Protector of all the Masonic institu- 
tions for the whole of the United States of America, their Territories 
and Dependencies. He might have sat securely, adorned with a crown 
of straw on his head, issuing his aerial mandates, and encircled by his 
august dignitaries. 

" But the malice of this production is not more apparent, than its arro- 
gance and injustice. Betraying the greatest ignorance of the Masonic 
system in the United States, it usurps jurisdiction over the three degrees 
of what is usually denominated Ancient Masonry." 

" It is well known that the three first degrees are under the exclusive 
superintendence of Independent Grand Lodges. Admitting that De La 
Motta is, in fact, a Grand Inspector General (which your Committee have 
the most satisfactory reasons to disbelieve) he has gone beyond the line 
of his duties, and his powers, to interfere with that 'jurisdiction. 

" Your Committee, on the point, refer the Consistory to the communi- 
cation, giving notice of its establishment, to the Grand Lodge of the 
State of New York, in which they expressly recognize its supremacy over 
Master Masons. 



DOCUMENTS. 155 

The charges of malice, arrogance and injustice, as exhibited in this 
clause, is as little established on the principles of correctness, as Mr. Cer- 
neau's Grand Commandership. In what point have I exhibited any 
malice? Was it in bringing to light the impositions of an individual? 
Was it an act of injustice, to hold up this individual to the Masonic 
brotherhood of every degree to prevent his further impositions ? Where- 
in have I exercised a power to which I am not legally authorized ? Is 
not every Mason compelled to expose every impostor in Masonry ? Have 
I, in any one solitary instance, interfered with the jurisdiction of the 
Grand Lodge, or any of its subordinate Lodges ? Am I censurable be- 
cause I directed one of my circulars to the Grand Lodge for the State of 
New York, ivliich they thought 2^ roper to return to me, mentioning, "w- 
asmuck as it related to degrees not known or acknov)ledged hy said Grand 
Lodge ? " My duty compelled me to give them the information, and 
put them on their guard, as well as every other lawful Masonic body 
over the surface of the two hemispheres. They chose to take no notice of 
it, I have nothing further to say,* except, that although Sublime 
Masons have not, in this country, initiated into the Blue or Symbolic de- 
grees, yet their Councils possess the indefeasable right of granting War- 
rants for that purpose. It is common on the continent of Europe, and 
may be the case here, should circumstances render the exercise of that 
power necessary. The legality of this right is derived from the highest 
Masonic authority in the world {however ready Mr. Cerneau and his 
gentlemen have been to relinquish it at once and in toto, which is another 
strong corroborative 'proof of their irregularity, or else they never could 
lawfully alienate their rights as Sublime Masons) as can be demon- 
strated to the perfect satisfaction of every Masonic, judicial and legislative 
body. 

Throughout the continent of Europe, England, Ireland and the West 
Indies, every Sublime Mason is recognized as a laivful Past Master: In 

"* De La Motta acted wisely in confessing that " he had nothing more to 
say." His defamatory circular, expelling Joseph Cerneau, together with De- 
witt Clinton the Grand Master, John W. Mullij^an, Deputy Grand Master, 
Cadwallader D. Colden, Senior Grand Warden, Martin Hoffman, Past Deputy 
Grand blaster, and Pallas Hicks, Grand Secretary, with several others, all 
being members of and holding some kind of office in the Grand Lodge of the 
State of New York, was considered not only an insult, but a piece of perfect 
bombast. It was regarded by them as the effects of insanity. The " circular " 
met with the same fate in every other Masonic body in the United States, 
always excepting " The Supreme Grand Council of Sovereign Grand Inspec- 
tors General, Thirty-third degree, in Charleston, South Carolina." It fell, 
" still born.''' 



156 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

England, and in many of the States of America, the Grand Officers must 
be Royal Arch Masons. In Dublin the Grand Master must be a Prince 
of Jerusalem. The Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty- 
third degree have not as yet insisted on it in this country, merely because 
these degrees are here hut little known and less understood, also because 
they wished to have no interference with the Symbolic degrees, but they 
are at the same time fully convinced, that the Sublime Masons are as lam- 
full]/ made Fast Masters, under as regular and authentic Warrants and 
Constitutions, as His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent, who is Grand 
Master of England."^ 

" Did not the daring mahgnity of this pretended denunciation sustain 
the indignation it excites, its ludicrous inconsistency would put all gravity 
at defiance." 

The whole of this clause is already replied to generally in the preced- 
ing pages. The risibility of the gentlemen composing this Committee 
of Mr. Cerneau's Society may be excited at the ludicrous inconsistency of 
my circular, as they term it, but how would their feelings be lacerated, 
should circumstances occur, which would cause them to visit a citv, where 
regularly constituted bodies of Sublime Masons are established ; and they 
should announce themselves in the high- grades of Masonry, be refused 
admittance, and told they were spuriously made, which, under existing 
circumstances, would be the case ? How then would their rejoicing he 
turned into mourning ?\ ^ ' 



* This may all be very true, but because men are recognized as lawful Past 
Masters, that does not prove that they have any right whatever to confer the 
degrees of Ancient Masonry outside of a regularly constituted and duly author- 
ized Lodge of Masons. This has been a settled and fixed law in the Masonic 
World for one hundred and forty years or more, throughout the " continent of 
Europe, England, Ireland and the West Indies." The same law prevails in 
relation to the Sublime degrees — viz., that unless a person receive them from a 
regularly constituted body, having the proper power to confer the same, they 
cannot be received by like bodies, or acknowledged as Sublime Masons. The 
" travelling pedlar " system which De La Motta, Jacobs and others followed 
with so much pecuniary profit, has long since been denounced, and at this day 
is not to be foiuid. It was the perpetration of these very acts on the part of 
the coadjutors of Stephen Morin, such as Hays, Frankin, Hyman Isaac Long, 
Moses Cohen, Spitzer, Forst, De La Motta, Jacobs and others, that led to the 
organization of the Grand Consistory. It was done to put a stop to these 
irregular proceedings. For the doing of which, De La Motta^ alone aad un- 
aided, expels the whole of them, and denounces them as impostors. 

f Nevertheless this very thing was done in very numerous instances, and 
continues to be done, up to this day, without any disagreeable effects, either to 
the feelings or the person. They have never been turned away from any door 
that they have attempted to pass through, either in Europe, South America, 



DOCUMENTS. 157 

" As to the declaration in favor of a Sovereign Grand Consistory, said 
to be formed on the 6th of August, 1806, it is only necessary to remark, 
that those who have any knowledge of our degrees, of De La Motta, and 
of some of the persons he names, must allow that it is utterly impossible 
that they were what they professed to be." 

" It is well known that that body never pretended to any power, pre- 
vious to the notice of its formation on the 7th of March, 1809, long after 
this was established, and its formation publicly announced. So well 
aware were the persons who composed that Consistory, of its defects, and 
of the regularity of this, that after many efforts to sustain it, and much 
expense borne in no equitable proportion, by many who were deluded to 
enter it, they suffered it to sink at once into inactivity and oblivion." 

" Some individuals who had assisted in its irregular proceedings, con- 
vinced of their error, applied for, and received the degrees depending on 
this Grand Consistory." 

In August, 5806, there were resident in this city, the following Illus- 
trious Brethren, lawful Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, and Inspec- 
tors Thirty-second degree : John Gabriel Tardy, John Baptiste Desdoity, 
John James Joseph Gourgas, Pierre Adrienne Du Peyrat, Lewis Du 
Saulles,* They formed and established a Sovereign Grand Consistory of 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty- 
second degree. On the third day of November, 5808, the Grand Coun- 
cil of Princes of Jerusalem was lawfully opened in this city, by and in the 
presence of the Thrice Puissant and Most Illustrious Brethren, John 
Gabriel Tardy, John Baptiste Desdoity, John James Joseph Gourgas, 
Moses Levy Maduro Peixotto, R. C, Scott, K H., S. P. R. S. Inspectors, 
aided and assisted by nine Knights of the Sun, and nine Princes of Jeru- 
salem. On the 6th day of November, 5808, a Warrant of Constitutions 
passed the Seal of the aforesaid Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem 



the West Indies, or our own land, not exceptiag, in this case, the city of 
Charleston, South Carolina. On the contrary, the Grand Consistory estab- 
lished in that city, a Grand Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 
and a Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, both of which bodies flourished from 
the commencement, and numbered among their members : P. Javain, Joel R. 
Poinsett, Thomas W. Baeot, John S. Cogdell, Isaac M. Wilson and others. 
Mr. Bacot was- Grand iMaster ; Mr. Cogdell was Senior Warden and Mr. 
Wilson was Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State, and Mr. Poin- 
sett was Minister of the United States to Mexico. They continued members 
up to the year 1828, when the Grand Consistory ceased on account of the 
great anti-Masonic excitement. 



* See Document 40, Appendix. 



158 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

for the establishment in this city of a Sublime Grand Lodge of Grand 
Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons, under the specific appellation of 
'■^ Aurora Grata^'' 

Due notice of which was immediately given in the public prints, and 
in the succeeding month of March, the Sovereign Grand Consistory of 
the Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty -second degrees, were induced to 
publish themselves as having been in existence for some time back, in 
order to evince to Mr. Cerneau, his Grand Association^ and the Masonic 
world in general, that their establishment had existed for a considerable 
time.* 

^ The statement here made is not founded in truth, and De La Motta knew 
it to be false when he penned it. We shall, therefore, repeat here what we have 
before said in the history, and other places in the Appendix. And first. The 
Consistory which De La Motta declares existed in 1806, or rather, " that there 
were residing in the city of New York in August, 1806, certain persons, 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, Thirty- second degree, and Inspectors;, 
who formed a Consistory, &c." By referring to the "-Register " of Abraham 
Jacobs, it will be found that Pierre Le Barbier Plessis, at Philadelphia, on 
the 14th day of October, 1807, conferred the degrees on John Gabriel Tardy, 
and appointed him a Deputy Inspector General. How could it be possible 
that Tardy should be of the number who formed the Consistory, or even had 
the degrees in August, 1806 ? 

Again, By a certified copy from the records of Lodge La Union Prancais, 
now before us, we learn that John James Joseph Gourgas was iaitiated an 
Entered Apprentice in that Lodge, July, 1806 ; at an internal of some months 
was passed as a Fellow Craft ; raised to the degree of Master in 1807, and 
retired from the Lodge in July, 1808 — having been a member two years, 
less three days. Now how was it possible that Gourgas could be a Deputy 
Inspector General, Thirty-second degree, in August, 1806, when he was but just 
made an Entered Apprentice (viz., the last of July), and by the rules of that 
Lodge '• was obliged to serve his time." He never possessed the Sublime degrees 
until the year 1808, according to his own documents. 

So far then as these two persons are concerned, the statement is false. 

The names of Du Peyrat and De Saulles have never appeared in their pub- 
lished lists at any time.^ When that Consistory was formed — viz., March 7th, 
1809 — the following persons composed it as shown by Abraham Jacobs' 
Register and Patent from Tardy : 

John G. Tardy, S.-. of S.-., and G.-. C*. Mordelcai Myers, Gr. Jun. Warden,. 
John B. Desdoity, Dep. Gr. Com., Sampson Simson, Gr. Cap. of Guards^ 
Richard Riker, Grand Warden, M. L. M. Peixotto, Gr. Treasurer, 

J. J. J. Gourgas, Grand Secretary. 

JaQobs was made a member November 24th, 1809. 

Again, Would it not be as well to suifer Abraham Jacobs, the founder of 
this Council of Princes of Jerusalem and Lodge of Perfection speak for him- 
self. In his Register he says : " October 10th, 1808, Brother A. Jacobs, then 
residing in New York, in North America, in which city the Sublime de- 
grees WERE NOT established." A uumbcr of old Royal Arch Masons, and 



See Document 40, Appendix. 



DOCUMENTS. 159 

Does it not excite the indignation of every enlightened Mason, on a 
cursory perusal of the above paragraph ? Can the gentlemen composing 
this Committee of Mr. Cerneau's Association mean to impeach my char- 



Master Masons of the Blue Lodge convened and petitioned Brother Jacobs, to 
confer the Sublime degrees on them, for the purpose of establishino; the degrees 
in this city. Brother Jacobs being ever ready to 'promote the Royal Art, on 
making the necessary inquiry of the respectability of the applicants, concluded 
to communicate the Sublime degrees to them. On the 3d of November fol- 
lowing, the number of nineteen brethren vv^ere brought up to the degree of 
Prince of Jerusalem, when they nominated the officers for the Council, and for 
the Lodge of Perfection under the Founder, until a regular Warrant should be 
obtained from the Grand Council at Charleston, and due notice thereof was 
given in the public prints the ensuing day. 

The names of these brethren are, Richard Riker, Sampson Simson, Mordecai 
Myers, Joel Hart, Samuel Riker, Jeremiah Shotwell, William J. Hunter, John 
E. Ruckle, Andreiv Siicher, John Clough, John Phelps, Daniel Beach, Benjamin 
Aycrigg, Stephen Scudder, William Stewart, Joseph Jacobs, Thomas Lownds. 
(Isaac Moses was made but his name does not appear, and one other — viz., see 
Abraham Jacob's Diary. 

These names, with Abraham Jacobs, formed the nine Knights of the Sun, 
and nine Princes of Jerusalem, who aided Tardy, Peixotto and Gourgas, in 
opening a Council of Princes of Jerusalem. Desdoity ivas not present — so 
that is another mistake ; Mordecai Myers was installed Grand Master of the 
Sublime Lodge of Perfection, and placed in the Chair ; and Richard Riker 
was installed Thrice Equitable of the Council, and placed in the Chair by 
Tardy. Desdoity was present at this meeting, being on the 6th inst. 

The idea that the notice published in the newspapers should convince the 
Masonic world that the Consistory had been in existence for a considerable 
time ; '-for some time back," was simply absurd, for neither Gourgas, nor Riker, 
nor Simpson, nor Tardy, were eligible before this time — viz., November, 1808. 
Tardy one year before, but the rest were initiated by Jacobs and De La 
Motta. Tardy, Desdoity and Peixotto were the only persons in the Consis- 
tory who were eligible before November, 1808. All the rest, both in the 
Consistory and the Council were irregular, and the individual authority of 
Tardy did not make them any better. 

And further, as it regards the practice of the Sublime degrees in the city 
of New York at that time, Jacobs, in his Diary states : 

November 11th, 1808. This day Mr. Mulligan and a .French gentleman 
(Mr. Cerneau) called on me at the school about 11 o'clock, informed me their 
visit was as a Committee from a Council of Princes of Jerusalem, to desire my 
attendance on them as they were then sitting. I replied, I knew no such body 
of men but the one I had established, and in order to prevent any other such 
body from infringing on the Constitution and Ancient Landmarks, we had 
made ourselves public by advertizing in the public prints of this city, and 
would say nothing further on the subject. They asked what reply they should 
return to their Council, 1 told them it was out of my power to wait on them. 

Jacobs knew well that such a body was in existence and had been for some 
years, but he chose to be ignorant of it. He knew also that there was no 
other body but that one, hence after organizing those men whom he had initia- 
ted into a Council of Princes and a Lodge of Perfection, he directs them to 
apply to Charleston for a "Warrant, which he need not to have done if there 
was a Consistory at that time in New York. The arrival of Tardy from 
Philadelphia was timely, and answered his purpose just as well. 



160 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

acter, or that of the gentlemen alluded to ? They tare not. Or is it in 
consequence of our being Israelites ? If so, it is another strong corrobo- 
rative proof, not only of their total want of information of the Sublime 
degrees, but in fact of the whole system of Masonry. What are the first 
principles requisite to qualify a candidate for admission into the first de- 
gree ? Is it not the belief in the existence of a Supreme being? Does 
not a Hebrew manifest such faith ? Is not everything whatever relative 
to Religion and Politics, prohibited in our Lodges ? Does it require more 
than that a man should possess that belief, and enjoy a good moral 
character, to entitle him to the benefit of Masonry ? Is there a path 
where the foot of civilized man has traversed, that Masonic institutions 
are not established, and its benefits extended to all the believers in a 
Supreme Deity, without its being confined to any particular sect ? Let 
us take a view of the three first degrees. Is it not evident to every Sym- 
bolic Mason, that there are no distinctions as to religious or political 
principles? It is as evident to the Royal Arch Mason that a Hebrew has 
the same privilege extended to him, as a companion of any other persua- 
sion. If then, the principles of Masonry are predicated upon such grounds, 
is it presumable that the more Sublime degrees could shut its doors 
against the admission of any person of morality, virtue and religion. Ad- 
mitting for a moment that Mr. Cerneau and his Society should be in 
possession of the High degrees, I call upon them to produce, if they can, 
one single instance, in any one degree of Masonry, which disfranchises a 
Hebrew from enjoying every privilege granted to any other sect. Were 
I at liberty, fully to explain myself, it being impossible to say into whose 
hands this may fall, I would lead them through each degree, particularly 
the Rose Croix and the Royal Secret^ and point out whether a Hebrew 
is not as much entitled as a Christian brother, or any other of whatever 
persuasion, to the Royal Arch, the Perfection, the Chief of the Tabernacle, 
the Prince of the Tabernacle, the Prince of Mercy, the Knight of the 
Brazen Serpent, and many more, both under and above. If they are the 
least acquainted with, the Constitutions of the Royal Secret, as ratified at 
Berlin on the 25th day of October, 5762, and in the supposition that 
their copy is genuine, and duly certified by lawful authority, I refer them 
to the very first article of that Constitution, to the Emblems on our 
Diplomas, and to the sacred engagements of a Rose Croix of Heredom, 
and of a Royal Secret, for a confirmation of what I do rigidly maintain. I 
leave the candid reader to determine, whether the insinuations of the 
gentlemen of the Committee, are bottomed on the broad basis of correct 
principles. 



DOCUMENTS. 161 

Those acts of some " individuals " as alluded to in the elaborate 
pamphlet, when investigated, will be found to be the proceedings of one 
individual, who may be noted, by bis having repaid kindness, by going 
over to Mr. Cerneau's Grand Society, and refusing afterwards to give up 
and return the Warrant then in his possession, as Grand Master of the 
Sublime Grand Lodge of Perfection, the Aurora Grata.^ 



■^ De La Motta's character as a historian does not require any impeachment 
from the hands of the Committee who are the authors of the " Reply." He 
impeaches himself at every step by his contradictory and false assertions. They 
state this simple "fact " in their reply — viz., " that those who have any know- 
ledge of our degrees, of De La Motta, and of some of the persons he names, 
must allow that it is utterly impossible that they ivere what they professed to be" 
or as it reads, "that they ought to be what they profess " — by which they meant 
to be understood as speaking of a Consistory in 1806, that John G. 'J'ardy, 
John James Joseph Gourgas, Richard Riker and Sampson Simson were only 
initiated, the former (Tardy) in 1807, and the latter by Abraham Jacobs in 
November; 1808, and so could not, as a matter of course, form a Consistory 
in 1806. They then give the date of the formation of the Consistory — viz., 
March 7th, 1809 — and which body ceased to exist very soon afterward, even 
during the same year, for they discovered that all their proceedings were illegal 
and irregular. They suffered the body to become extinct, and the leading 
members among them united with the Grand Consistory, the Grand Master 
of the Lodge of Perfection taking the Warrant with him, and would not give 
it up. Now this is precisely what they meant and no more. The term 
Israelite, or Jew, is not even mentioned or hinted at, in the Reply, which is 
certainly a manly and honest report. But De La Motta knew his weakness, 
and made this " dodge " of his own accord, in order to turn off the attention 
from the question at issue, and to excite the sympathy of the brethren in his 
behalf, by declaring that the Committee were influenced by a spirit of perse- 
cution toward him and his coadjutors, because they were Israelites or Jews. 
He supposes this to be the case, and at once falls upon the doctrines of the 
Symbolic degrees, known and acknowledged as such the world over, to sustain 
him in those degrees known as Sublime. A poor subterfuge indeed, and being 
no parallel, as the former do absolutely require " that a person do believe in the 
existence of God,'' while the latter, which he has chosen to mention, do abso- 
lutely require, that a person must be a believer in Jesus, the Messiah, and the 
doctrines which he promulgated while on the earth, which are to be found 
fully set forth in the Scriptures of the New Testament. We allude to the 
seventeenth, eighteenth, and others above them. As for the Constitution of 
1762, which he avers was ratified at Berlin in 1786, by Frederick of Prussia, 
■we think it quite unnecessary to repeat here, what we have before said in 
notes to the said Constitution. The Introduction, and Article First, on which 
he bases all this childish talk, never was in Berlin or France, until it was car- 
ried there from Charleston, South Carolina, the place in which all these addi- 
tions, improvements and interpolations were made. Well may he say " m the 
supposition that their copy is genuine, and duly certified by lawful authority,''' 
by which he means that it must be taken from the Register of De Lji Hogue, 
De Grasse, or Aveilha, or Hyman Isaac Long — not one of them agreeing or 
being alike — and then certified by the Supreme Grand Council of Sovereign 
Grand Inspectors General of Charleston, South Carolina, De La Motta being 



162 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

" The Grand Consistory is vested with the sole power of administration 
and legislation, including that of granting Constitutions, in all the degrees 
which appertain to Exalted Masonry. The establishment of a Grand 
Consistory absolutely supersedes the individual authority of the Grand 
Inspectors General, in the regulation and government of the Order. 

" As to the degree of Grand Inspector General, in rank the Thirty- 
third, the laws and regulations direct the manner in which the members 
on whom it is conferred, shall be selected. It is a dignity granted as the 
reward of merit and experience. Those who are invested with it do not 
possess the arbitrary and irresponsible power which some, who pretend to 
act under " Secret Constitutions,^^ imagine they are authorized to exer- 
cise." 

In allusion to this clause, the gentlemen composing the Cotnmittee of 
Mr. Cerneau's Society have made a jumble of different points under dif- 
ferent heads : 

First, They have blended the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third 
degree with the Sovereign Grand Consistory of the Thirtieth, Thirty-first 
and Thirty-second degree, by calling the Council a Consistory, and tbe 
Consistory a Council. 

Second, They have commingled together three distinct bodies under 
one general head, to wit., Inspectors whose powers are limited solely to 
inspect ; Deputies Inspectors General who have the power to inspect 
generally, and to constitute as far as K. H. inclusively ; and finally, 
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-tKird degree, who 
are authorized and empowered to establish, congregate, superintend, and 
inspect, all and every degree, agreeably to the Grand Constitutions ; the 
extreme ignorance of the gentlemen of the Committee, respecting all these 
points, is sufficiently palpable without any further comment. 

In reference to the Secret Constitutions I do affirm, that they have 
existed from time immemorial ; that special mention is made of them in 
the Constitutions of Subhme Prince of the Royal Secret, as ratified at 
Berlin, on the 25th day of October, 5762 ; further, that they are un- 



•the head. Both the Constitution of 1762 and of 1786 are in the Appendix, 
No. 28 and 29, and the reader is referred to them for more particular information. 
We do not wish to drag forth the name of any particular person at this late 
day, which De La Motta has alluded to " as having repaid kindness by going 
over to Mr. Cerneau's Grand Society, and refusing afterwards to give up and 
return the Warrant then in his possession as Grand Master of the Sublime 
Grand Lodge of Perfection^ the ''Aurora Grata," but we have no doubt that 
his character would at any time have borne a better reputation than that of 
his accuser. 



DOCUMENTS. 163 

changeable, and are the very basis and old landmarks of ever}^ other Con- 
stitution (in the whole Masonic system) framed since, or which time and 
circumstances may require hereafter. Every Mason, of whatever degree, 
is subject to them, whether he is acquainted with them or not, although I 
must acknowledge that, as well as the Thirty-third degree, they are not to 
be met with in every hand, as Mr. Cerneau's Association has clearly 
proved, and exhibited strong evidences of their want of knowledge in that 
grade. Innumerable instances can be made apparent in their publication 
and declaration, of being possessed of a degree which they never did 



receive. 



" Before your Committee dismiss this disgusting mass of absurdity and 
wickedness, which certainly discovers no characteristic of the Christian 
morality of our Order, they beg leave to draw the attention of the Con- 
sistory to the insinuation contained in the words ' having received no sat- 

* The "jumble " which De La Motta speaks of here, is no ''jumble " what- 
ever, but simply organizing under the General Statutes of the body, and on 
precisely the same plan as the Grand Orient of France, the Grand Orient of 
Brazil, and the Grand Orient of New Granada. The Grand Orient of France 
has a Consistory of Kites. Those of Brazil and New Granada have a Con- 
sistory of the Rite they administer. They style themselves " Orients in the 
bosom of which they have a Supreme Council of the Thirty-third, Grand 
Council of the Thirty-second, &c." The organization of the Grand Consistory 
of the United States was precisely the same — a body which did not confer any 
degrees whatever — but was the Executive body, and gave the power to all 
subordinate bodies to perform their proper and legitimate work. The records 
of the body are full of applications for the various degrees, received through 
the " General Committee of Administration,'' and having been received and 
acted upon, were referred, as the case required, either to the Chapter of Rose 
Croix, or the Grand Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, or to the 
Supreme Council of the Thirty-third. With this explanation, it is hoped, the 
confusion will disappear. 

As it regards the •' Secret Constitutions,'' we do not think it necessary to 
repeat, what we have before, so fully set forth in the body of the history. But 
if the remark of De La Motta be true — \lz., that they are unchangeable, \Yhy 
does the Council, of which he pretended to be a member, change the said 
enactments at the very start, and persist in that change, certainly up to the 
time when this replication was penned — viz., 1814, and how much longer we 
cannot say. We refer to the Schedule of degrees given in the celebrated cir- 
cular of 1802, in which K. IT. is made the Twenty-ninth, and the Prince of 
the Royal Secret, Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second, leaving out the 
Scotch Knight of St. Andrew and Sovereign Judge Commander, all of which 
are defined by that instrument, and De La Motta shows by his language con- 
cerning the '• Consistory of Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second," in this 
and many other places, that he knew nothing in the year 1814 of any other 
system, while the Grand Orient of France did, from the year 1805, define all 
the degrees, and they were practiced in that form by the Grand Consistory 
from the time of its establishment, 1807. up to the year 1827, in the month of 
November, when it ceased to exist. See plate 3. 



164 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

is/action, cCt.,' which leave it to be inferred that our Sovereign Grand 
Commander was bound to give such satisfaction. De La Motta has not 
pretended to allege that an)' regular application (which ought to have 
preceded an accusation for neglect or refusal) was made to Brother Cer- 
neau. But the multiplied abuses existing in this country, by means of 
persons falsely pretending to possess the Exalted degrees, early attracted 
the notice of the Grand Consistory, and connected with various insidious 
attempts to take advantage of the deficiency of our Sovereign Grand 
Commander in the Enghsh language, and of the unsuspicious confidence 
of his character, produced a determination to have all applications referred 
to the Grand Consistory. Of this, De La Motta was apprised. He was 
told, if he wished to inspect our documents, he should, by applying to 
the Grand Consistory, have all the satisfaction he required, provided he 
proved his right to it. Had he pursued this course, his conduct would 
have been conformable to that of a person clothed with lawful powers. 
This refusal indicates that he was not willing to examine too closely into 
our powers, nor submit his claims to that investigation which the Consis- 
tory might deem it their duty to make." 

As to what relates to the obligations of Mr. Cerneau, to give me satis- 
faction, I submit to the candid reader to determine, if Mr. Cerneau knew 
his duty in the high grade to which he has pretended, whether he was 
not bound to render me, as Representative of the Supreme Head in 
THIS COUNTRY, a full and ample view of his Patents, and proceedings 
since his arrival in these States ; particularly after having placed into his 
hands my Credentials, and his acknowledging the legality of the same, 
and also of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third at Charleston, South 
Carohna, to which I beg leave to refer the reader to the before recited 
attested conversations. I call on the Brethren Symbolic, as well as Sub- 
lime, to say, if it is not customary among us, to exchange views of cer- 
tificates. Patents, &c., &c., which Mr. Cerneau peremptorily refused. 

Mr. Cerneau, as well as his Society, seems to be particularly anxious 
to blend togther, what they are accustomed to term, their Grand Consis- 
tory, and their Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree. When I 
visited him on the 14th of September, 5813, I was more than once 
obliged to specify very plainly, that I had not called to make inquiries 
respecting a Grand Consistory, but what he had published, and just 
acknowledged to me — viz., his Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand In- 
spectors General of the Thirty-third degree, &c., (fee. That point once 
settled, the succeeding could not suffer any difficulty, and must come in 
afterwards as a matter of course. Upon Mr. Cerneau's repeated refusal 



DOCUMENTS. 165 

to exhibit his papei*s, and referring me to his Supreme Council of the 
Thirty-third degree, what were my observations to him ? Show me the 
powers you have for estabHshing a Supreme Council of the Thirty-third, 
and I will readily meet your Council. I beg leave to submit the follow- 
ing quere to my Symbohc Brethren : Should any Master Mason apply to 
visit a Lodge which he has never visited before, would he suffer himself 
to be examined by a Committee, before he had a view of their Warrant, 
or would he enter that Lodge before he had the proof of its being legally 
constituted ? 

As to what relates to my taking advantage of Mr. Cerneau's want of 
information in the language of the country — how little do I merit the 
charge ; when previous to my visiting him, I prevailed on two Illustrious 
Brethren, well versed in the French and English languages, to accompany 
me, in order to explain to Mr. Cerneau, should he be at a loss tD under- 
stand, the purport of my visit. The accompanying brethren did very 
readily repeat in French, such parts of the conversation as we supposed 
he did not understand. In the attempt to explain to him in French what 
I observed, Mr. Cerneau declared, that he fully understood every syllable 
I uttered. 

As " to the multiplied abuses and impositions existing and practiced 
in this country, by means of persons falsely pretending to possess the 
Exalted degrees " so feelingly complained of by this Committee of Mr. 
Cerneau's Society, I think it hardly possible to meet any where, whether 
in this or any other country, over the surface of the two hemispheres, 
with a character that can stand more pre-eminent in all those charges, 
than Mr. Cerneau. 

" Immediately on its installation, the Grand Consistory gave notice to 
the Supreme Masonic bodies in Europe and the West Indies, to whom it, 
at the same time, communicated copies of the Patents under which it 
was formed. These were followed by the most ample recognition on the 
part of the Supreme Grand Council of France, an act, suflScient in itself 
to outweigh the cavils of all impostors." 

As to the correctness of all they boasted of, " most ample recognition 
by the Supreme Council of France,^'' we know that Mr. Cerneau and his 
Society first came out with their pretended Supreme Council of Sovereign 
Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree, only in May, 1813, 
and yet the report of the Committee sanctioned and published by Mr. 
Cerneau's Association, asserted they are recognized. How can that be 
possible ? How, under the difficulties attending a navigation on account 
of w\ar, could all this be effected, between May and the 14th of Septem- 



166 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

ber, 1813, or even between May 1813, and February 1814 ? It is also 
rather surprising tbat they should not positively state, all the different 
Supreme bodies over the surface of the two hemispheres, who have thought 
proper to acknowledge them ; but on the contrary, they should bring 
forward the solitary instance of their recognition by the Supreme Council 
of France. Have you^ for instance, been acknowledged by Heredom, or 
by any of the Supreme bodies in England, Scotland, Ireland, Prussia, 
Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Germany, Italy, Sioitzerland, or even Asia ? 
I believe you can show no such recognition, and I can assure you that 
the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third at Charleston, South Carolina, 
will continue to take such special good care to follow you up into every 
quarter of the globe, where Masonic institutions are established ; that it 
ever will be impossible for you to obtain anything whatever from, or even 
be admitted or acknowledged, any where among lawful Sublime Masons, 
should you persist in your obstinacy.^ 

^ That the Grand Consistory was acknowledged by the Supreme Council 
of France there is no doubt. The reader is referred to Appendix No. 12. But 
De La Motta asks the question, " whether the Grand Consistory has been ac- 
knowledged by Heredom, or any of the Supreme Bodies of England, Scotland, 
Ireland, Prussia, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Germany, Italy, Switzerland or 
even Asia 7 " We shall endeavor to answer the inquiry in as few words as we 
can. And first, " //ererfo??!." As it is not yet clearly defined whether the 
name attaches to a person, a place, or a body — and as the spelling of the 
word is not yet satisfactorily determined — whether it be Heredon, Herridom, 
Harrodin, Harrodira, or Hair-dom, we confess our inability to answer on this 
point ; we do not think he could have answered it himself ; and we should have 
thought he would have left Scotland out of the number of names he called 
over, after having received so stern a rebuke, in reply to the circular of 1802, 
which they were pleased to address to the Crand Lodge of Scotland, to which 
they replied in a way not soon to be forgotten. One would have thought, 
after such an occurrence, that Scotland's name would ever afterward have 
been among the ''forgotten things " of the Supreme Grand Council of Charles- 
ton, " South Carolina. [See page 25, History.] And Prussia, too, is brought 
in, when all the Grand Masonic bodies of Prussia have persisted in declaring 
from the very commencement up to the present time, or until within ten years, 
that neither King Frederick nor themselves ever knew any thing about the 
rite, even by name ; that the only rites known in that country, aside from the 
Symbolic degrees, were those of Fessler and Zinnendorf. [See Document 10.] 
Besides these two they have had no others. In England they have been 
strangere to the Ancient and Accepted Rite until within twenty years ; the 
degrees conferred there, being in detached portions, and in various styled 
bodies, under no particular organization or head. In Ireland, as well as 
England, they have had what are called the Ineffable degrees, up to the Six- 
teenth, or Prince of Jerusalem for many years, but the " system"" extending up 
to the Thirty- third, has only been introduced there for fifteen or twenty years. 
In Sweden, Denmark, Russia and Germany the Rite has never been 
introduced. Their systems are entirely different. Italy and Switzerland had 
no Supreme Council of the rite until 1812, or thereabouts, and as for Asia, we 



DOCUMENTS. 167 

" Having heard that a Council had existed at Charleston, South Caro- 
lina, which might yet be in activity, a Circular, with copies of the Patent 
or Warrant, and a list of the members, was also transmitted thither and 
dehvered to the person whose name appears as Grand Commander to the 
act, approving De La Motta's denunciation. No answer being received, 
another was despatched but with no better success. Your Committee here 
will just remark, that if the Council at Charleston was a regular body, 
and deemed us usurpers, it was their duty to take instant and eflfectual 
measures to arrest our progress. If we were regular. Masonic courtesy, 
as well as their obligation, required them to acknowledge us without de- 
lay. They have done neither." 

" This profound silence and neglect, was of itself sufficient to satisfy the 
Grand Consistory that the body at Charleston, if it ever had a lawful 
existence, was extinct." 

If the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third at Charleston, South Caro- 
lina, did receive the two communications above alluded to, why did they 
not answer them ? 

First, Mr. Cerneau arriving in this country, provided with foreign 
Patents and Powers, what was the very first step for him to insure their 
legality in this country ? To send and have them recognized and en- 
dorsed by the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third, at Charleston, South 
Carolina. 

Second^ What was he next bound to do, if his wish was to act lawful- 
ly ? To ask of Charleston the permission, to form and establish here, a 
lawful body of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret (in case there was 
none already formed) which would no doubt have been granted to him, 
or any other brother acting agreeably to the Grand Constitutions. But 
they never would have rescinded their Supreme rights into the hands of 
Mr. Cerneau, or any other person. 

Supposing that Mr. Cerneau had so far acted constitutionally, what 

leave her out of the question, knowing but little about the names attaching to 
any of the numerous rites they practice there. One thing, however, is true — 
viz., that in the year 1814, when this replication was written, there was not 
in the known world, beside the Supreme Grand Council of Charleston, and 
the Supreme Council of France, (which was founded and established by the 
Count de Grasse, from that Supreme Council) also the two bodies at Naples 
and Milan, any bodies of that kind, so that an acknowledgement from any 
was impossible. But if, by the word " Supreme Bodies " is meant. Grand 
Lodges, &c.. there are acknowledi^ements from all parts of the M'orld. As for 
the threat held out by De La Motta, it amounted to nothing, he not being 
acknowledged himself by any aNFasonic body but the Supreme Council of 
Charleston. 



168 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

would heave been the manner for him to proceed on the lawful establish- 
ment of a Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret ? To have 
had nothing to do with Symbolic brethren, but call to his assistance a 
competent number of already lawfully raised brethren of (at least) a cer- 
tain degree, then with their advice, counsel, and information, proceed on 
together to the aforesaid establishment of a lawful Consistory. When 
all had been regularly accomplished, and approved of by the Supreme 
head at Charleston, South Carohna, then write, and require the recognition 
of all other bodies of the same kind, over the surface of the two hemis- 
pheres. 

Was this the conduct of Mr. Joseph Cerneau ? No ; it was not. 

If he had Patents or Powers of any description, they have been issued 
and sent to him from a foreign jurisdiction ; say, by a few French emi- 
grants, brethren from St. Domingo, who had taken refuge in the small 
port of Barracoa, island of Cuba, who probably knew as much of our 
language and localities, as he himself did on his first arrival here. I assert, 
that none of his Patents or Powers ever made their appearance, or ever 
were endorsed by the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third, at Charleston, 
South Carolina, or any Inspector General lawfully authorized by them. I 
further affirm that Mr. Cerneau's name had never appeared on our Regis- 
ters, and other lawful documents, more particularly as a SuUime Mason^ 
vested with the sole control of the high orders of Masonry in the United 
States of America, their Territories and Dependencies. 

What was Mr. Cerneau's conduct then ? 

He first commenced to work in the dark, and when he and his friends 
arrived at the point, they thought themselves sufficiently strong and 
respectable, then they published themselves as a Grand Consistory, with- 
out assuming, however, the supremacy over all the States of America, 
their Territories and Dependencies. They then, and not until then, 
wrote and sent copies (agreeably to their pamphlet) of their high deeds 
all over the world, and, as they say, also to Charleston. Under such cir- 
cumstances was it probable, or could they so far blindly flatter themselves, 
that they would receive from Charleston their recognition ? Had they 
seriously reflected a moment, they might certainly have foreseen, what 
has at last occurred ; all they could get by it was, that their Councils 
would be set down in red characters. Finding the Supreme Council of 
the Thirty-third at Charleston, South Carolina, did not recognize them, 
Mr. Cerneau and his friends declared them extinct, and proclaimed them- 
selves as the Supreme Head of Masonry, for the whole of the United States 
of America, their Territories and Dependencies ; and no doubt in time, pur- 



I 



DOCUMENTS. 169 

suing fast upon the lawful road they were^ and are travelling on, they will 
also declare as extinct, all the other Supreme bodies over the surface of 
the two hemispheres, who do not think proper to acknowledge their 
Grand Association. 

I will now propose to my Symbolic brethren, a case nearly the same 
with that under consideration of Mr. Joseph Cerneau and his Grand 
Association. Admit for a moment that a Master Mason should delude a 
number of brethren of the first and second degrees, by informing and 
convincing them that he is a Master Mason, and fully persuades them he 
has the right and power, to raise to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason 
any individual they consent, and he thus initiates them into the third de- 
gree. Now, he observes, we are all very lawful, aiad very good Master 
Masons, let us form and establish a Master Masons Lodge ; they all con- 
sent ; it is accomplished ; he then says further, we must be acknowledged 
or recognized, but it is requisite we send copies of what we shall deem 
sufficient, of our proceedings, to all the Symbolic Grand Lodges in the 
world. One of them, very far distant, not fully informed, and wherein 
this Master Mason has luckily some good friends, recognizes their Lodge, 
but the Grand Lodge, under whose jurisdiction he is placed, discovering 
the absurdity of their whole business, &c., &c., for the present, and for 
good reasons, takes no particular notice of it, this emboldens this worthy 
Mason and his coadjutors to progress ; sometime after, he and his party, 
declare that very Grand Lodge under whose jurisdiction they are situated, 
as being extinct, and all its further acts as insignificant and invalid, and 
why ? Because he and his advocates conceive themselves respectable and 
sufficiently strong to make such a declaration ; and because at the time 
they were not honored with an answer. They declare and publish them- 
selves for ever, as being the real, true and lawful Grand Lodge of Master 
Masons, which has, as they conceive, by right, taken the place of the 
one by them declared extinct. What ought to be, and what would be 
the consequence of such Masonic enormity ? More especially after friend- 
ly and brotherly means had repeatedly been resorted to without success. 

To return to Mr. Joseph Cerneau and his Grand Association. I believe 
what follows to be as exact a history of his transactions as can possibly 
be given, or depended on, in such obscure dealings. 

We will for a moment suppose that Mr. Cerneau was, at his arrival 
from the Havanna in this city of New York, a regular Sublime Prince 
of the Royal Secret, even a lawful Deputy Inspector General, old system, 
suppose also that he wrote, after his arrival here, for those powers, (fee, 
&c. ; that those powers were actually sent to him, signed by three, five, 



170 SCOTTISH EITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

seven, nine, or even more legal Illustrious brethren, collected in some cor- 
ner of the world, for him to do every thing that might be performed ; 
such full powers coming from a foreign jurisdiction (which, by the bye, I 
have great doubts whether it has ever been known or acknowledged by 
any other) could not be lawful unless restricted by this absolute, and well 
understood proviso, that Mr. Cerneau should act and comport himself in 
all things whatsoever to the old landmarks, and in conformity with all 
the rules, regulations and Constitutions of all and every, the several de- 
grees of Masonry. Under such a supposition, which was the lawful road 
to be pursued by Mr. Cerneau ? Arriving in a foreign country of which 
he little knew, if at all, the localities and language, as a good and faithful 
brother he would have made very special inquiries respecting those de- 
grees, and the brethren belonging thereto, by means of which he would 
have found, that in this city of New York there existed the Triple Union, 
[see Appendix, Document 40,] a lawful Sovereign Chapter of Rose 
Croix, working in the Ancient form, also a number of the Most Respecta- 
ble Brethren belonging to all the Sublime degrees, in particular, five law- 
ful Subhme Princes of the Royal Secret, and Inspectors, that in Philadel- 
phia there was an Ancient regular Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, and 
three lawful Deputies Inspectors General, old system ; in Baltimore and 
Norfolk, Sovereign Chapters of Rose Croix ; in Charleston, South Caro- 
lina, the Grand and Supreme Council of the Most Puissant Sovereign 
Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree, the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, Thirtieth, Thirty-first 
and Thirty-second degrees, for the Southern District of the United States 
of America ; a Grand Metropolitan Lodge and Sovereign Grand Chapter 
of Rose Croix of Heredom, a Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, a 
Sublime Grand Lodge of Perfection ; and in Savannah also, a Sublime 
Grand Lodge of Perfection, and throughout the United States of America, 
"a host of lawful Deputies Inspectors General, Thirty-second degree, who 
had labored in the faithful performance of their duties. He should then 
have communicated with a competent number of these brethren, and 
after consultation, had he and they felt inclined to proceed, there was 
no other lawful line of conduct to be pursued but that which I have al- 
ready pointed out ; besides, on information he would have found that in 
the very city of New York there were a number of illustrious brethren, 
at least equally, if not more so, entitled to form and be at the head of 
such an establishment as himself. Is this what you have done Mr. Cer- 
neau ? I appeal to you, your friends and supporters as ingenuous men to 
answer the question in truth. For if you and your children are genuine 



DOCUMENTS. 171 

lawful brethren, you and they must love the truth with all your hearts ; 
Masonry being supported by nothing but the unveiled, plain, unsophisti- 
cated truth. 

Mr. Cerneau, was this the hne of conduct pursued by you and your 
abettors ? No, sir ; as I have proved before, you have no Patents or Pow- 
ers endorsed, or in any form signed and recognized by the Supreme 
Council of the Thirty-third degree at Charleston, " South Carolina^'' or 
by any illustrious brother lawfully -authorized by them : you have called 
none to your assistance, nor consulted with any one equal or superior to 
yourself as to the degrees or information, although you had them in num- 
bers and every way most respectable within call ; you have had to do 
with none but Symbolic Masons, and to acknowledge at this day all the 
Masonic establishments you pretend to, you must, without any kind of 
scruple or ceremony, have leaped over the most sacred engagements, 
landmarks, rules, laws, regulations. Constitutions, &c., &c., &c. So that 
you must have initiated all your Royal Arch Masons, your Grand Elect, 
Perfect, Sublime Masons, your Princes of Jerusalem, your Sovereign 
Princes of the Rose Croix, your K. H., all your Sublime Princes of the 
Royal Secret, your Deputy Inspectors General, and all your pretended 
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree. In fact, 
you, Mr. Cerneau, per se, and in the very face of a whole host of lawful 
Most Illustrious brethren of all degrees, and lawful high bodies of every 
description, have initiated, healed, consecrated, formed, established and in- 
stalled all and every degree of Masonry, from the Fourth up to your very 
pretended Thirty-third degree, inclusively. Can there exist a single worthy 
Mason who can approve such conduct, or even think that such absurdities 
ever could be sanctioned by, and such powers be lawfully vested in any 
individual ? 

Men distinguished in the annals of our Order have received from it. 
Constitutions for the establishment of exalted bodies in various parts of 
the United States. 

It is true that the original intent of the Superior degrees, were designed 
only for the select few, and to prove the excellent election of Mr. Cerneau 
and his Society of a Deputy Inspector for the State of Rhode Island, and 
of a President of their Grand Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal 
Secret, sitting at Newport, Rhode Island, I beg leave to submit the fol- 
lowing two letters, verbatim, (without comment) received from those 
Exalted gentlemen, whom, under the fostering care of Mr. Joseph Cerneau 
and his Grand Association, have devoted themselves to the profound study 
of their highly Exalted, Sublime, Philosophic and Philanthropic Masonry, 
according to the Ancient Scottish Rite of Heredora, <fec., &c., &c. 



172 SCOTTISH EITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

COPY. 

E. De La Motta, Esq., 

Newport, Rhode Island, February 5th, 1814, 
Sir: 
Your circular under date of the 31st ult, I received per mail last 
evening, the contents of which, in every point of view, merits the con- 
tempt of every Mason, or man of common sense. If any controversy or 
misunderstanding had taken place between your self-styled Royal High- 
ness^ Illustrious General of the Holy Empire, and the Grand Consistory 
of the United States, it was your duty to pointedly address them, and if 
our interference had been deemed necessary, we ought to have been ad- 
dressed in a manner becoming a Mason and a gentleman. The Consis- 
tory from which we had the honor of receiving our Charter, and which 
we now work under, we were, previous to our application to them, con- 
vinced, were regularly and legally established and acknowledged in differ- 
ent parts of the world. Our authority we do not mean to conceal, but 
enjoy every privilege granted us, and defend the dignity attached thereto 
to the last extremity. Your threats to expose the gentlemen composing 
the said Grand Consistory, particularly the Hon. Dewitt Clinton, I doubt 
not he will take such notice of as it requires, in which he will be supported 
by his worthy companions. In a short time we shall call a meeting of 
our members, and jointly reply to your contemptuous letter. In the 
meantime we shall address Mr. Joseph Cerneau, and enclose him one of 
your letters for his inspection and direction. Let me caution you, High 
and Mighty Illustrious Grand Inspector General, and Royal Treasurer of 
the " United States," not to harbor an idea of advertizing my name as 
you threaten, for the moment I see it, I will advertize you as a scoundrel 
through the world, and individually prosecute you to the extremity of the 
law, in which I assure you, I shall be followed by each of my worthy 
companions. If you have any further communications to make, let them 
be couched in proper language, and in the like manner they will be replied 
to ; and if you wish lettei-s post-paid you will please set the example, by 
paying the postage of any further letters you write. 

Your Obedient Humble Servant, 

Stephen I>eblois, 
Signed on the original. 



DOCUMENTS. 173 

COPY. 

Newport, February 6tb, 1813. 

E. De La Motta, Esq., 
Sir: 

Having received a circular, destitute of every Masonic principle, ad- 
dressed to me, with your name annexed to the same, I feel it a duty I 
owe myself, as well as the Council to which I have the honor to belong, 
to reply to it. Now, sir, be it known to you, and all concerned, that the 
Deputy Grand Council in Newport, Rhode Island, obtained from the 
Grand Consistory in New York, whereof Joseph Cerneau is Grand Com- 
mander, Dewitt Clinton, Deputy Grand Commander, &c., &c., a Charter 
for the establishment of the same. I, sir, had the honor to be one of the 
number, who was appointed to visit New York, for attainment of the 
same, and was appointed Deputy Grand Inspector for the State of Rhode 
Island. While there, sir, I saw their Charter,* from both France and 
Great Britain. Now, sir, I wish you to understand, that in addressing 
the members of the Council to which I have the honor to belong, you do 
not address boys, fools or drunkards ; they are men, sir, who will never 
subscribe to the sentence, that Joseph Cerneau, Dewitt Clinton, and 
others, are impostors, &c., consequently, base villains, because Mr. E. De 
La Motta sees fit, from some motive or other, to say they are. No, sir, 
you have mistaken the ground. You, sir, are bound by every Masonic, 
by every manly principle, to prove, beyond the power of refutation, that 
they are the base characters you have represented them to be : Then, 
sir, and not till then, would I exert every power which I possess, to have 
a fair and candid examination of the subject, in the Council to which I 
belong. This, sir, you have not done — I have wrote to New York, and 
have no doubt but Joseph Cerneau, Esq., Hon. Dewitt Clinton, and 
others who compose the Grand Consistory, will take such steps as will 
bring their accusers to a sense of justice. But, sir, you say we have been 
basely imposed upon, for which imposition, unless we acknowledge our 
" sorrow " to you, we shall be published here. Mr. E. De La Motta, let 
me caution you to tread lightly, and pause before you do that, which you 
may wish to recall when too late, for I pledge you my word as a Mason, 
that whoever shall dare to publish an individual belonging to the Coun- 
cil in Newport, that I will retaliate the indignity, and hold hira or them 



* Meaning the acknowledgement by the Supreme Council of France. 



174 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

up to the world, as a scoundrel, and a base impostor ; and if his, or their 

character shall merit notice, he or they shall be called to account. But, 

sir, I wish to be understood, that we are ready at all times to correspond 

with any legal Masonic body in a Masonic manner^ but we are not to be 

the dupes of any men, or set of men. 

I am, sir, a friend to legal Masonic Institutions, 

John A. Shaw. • 
Signed on the original. 



An advertisement appeared in the newspapers some time last winter, 
under the sanction of Mr. Cerneau's Grand Association, respecting the 
establishment of a Grand Encampment of Knights Templars, Knights 
of Malta, (tc, <&c., for this State. It is another proof of their total want 
of reflection or information, being in the most pointed and positive opjpo- 
sition with the sacred engagements of Kadosh. To perceive names men- 
tioned in their celebrated Tableaux, as possessing the grade of K. H., 
designated as Grand Officers in that Grand Encampment; a thing so 
incompatible with the degree of K. H., that every true and lawful brother 
arriving at that degree, must shudder at their improper conduct ; a cir- 
cumstance in its own self, sufficient to cause their expulsion from those 
high degrees. Does this conduct among their many others not evidence 
their total ignorance of the Higher Orders of Masonry ? 

And now I shall fully abandon the gentlemen of the Committee to all 
the ^^ vital energies '^ (p^g® 12 of their elaborate pamphlet,) and their 
Most Powerful Sovereign Grand Consistory of Grand Inspectors General 
of the Thirty-third degree, and Princes of the Royal Secret, Supreme 
Chiefs of Exalted Masonry, of the Ancient Scottish Rite of Heredom, for 
the United States of America, under the Celestial Canopy, at the central 
point, answering to 40 degrees, 41 minutes, North Latitude. Or their 
alias ci-devant Supreme Council of Grand Inspectors General of the Thir- 
ty-third degree, regularly established according to the Ancient Constitu- 
tional Scottish Rite of Heredom for the United States of America, their 
Territories and Dependencies, held in the city of New York ; also the 
Grand Consistory of Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry, and the consti- 
tuted bodies of its jurisdiction. Anno Lucis, 5813. 

Having independently replied, as amply as the situation of my health 
would permit, to their elaborate, gentlemanly and declamatory pamphlet, 
issued in February last ; I beg leave to submit to the candid reader une- 
quivocally to say, who is most entitled to the very elegant epithets, so 
liberally bestowed in said pamphlet, such as " malicious, calumny, anti- 



DOCUMENTS. 175 

Masonic, tlie gratification of private malice, arrogance, pretension, daring 
calumny, absurdity, atrocious libel, injustice, the greatest ignorance, 
Modern Rhadamanthus, daring malignity, pretended denunciation, dis- 
gusting mass of absurdity and wickedness ? Whether the accused or the 
accusers stand most entitled to them ? My greatest fault has been to en- 
deavor to rend the veil that obscured the vision of the deluded, and to 
mutilate the mantle of imposition into which Mr. Joseph Cerneau has 
enveloped himself. 

I take also my final leave of you, my deluded brethren. Permit me to 
exhort you to reflect, and ere it is too late, to relinquish the untenable 
ground you have taken, and abandon the false standard you have enrolled 
under. 

Done and delivered under my hand and Stamp of the Thirty-third de- 
gree, at the Grand East of New York City, by the 40th deg., 41 min., 
North Latitude, the 20th day of the sixth month, called Elul, A. M., 
5574 ; of the Restoration, 2344 ; Anno Lucis, 5814 ; and of the Chris- 
tian Era, the 5th day of September, 1814. 

E. De La Motta, R. C, K. H., S. P. R. S. 
Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third degree. Illus- 
trious Treasurer General of the Holy Empire in the United States 
of America, &c., &c., &c. 

By command, 

Jacob De La Motta, 

R. C, K. H., S. P. R. S. 

Betis J^cumque Jus, 



REMARKS. 

The above is copied verbatim from a Pamphlet issued in 1822, entitled 
^'■Documents on Sublime Free Masonry ; hy Joseph McCosh^ Grand 
Secretary of the Supreme Council. Charleston : 1822 " — 12 mo., 104 
pages. It was in possession of Dr. Richard S. Spoffbrd, Deputy Inspector 
General for the State of Massachusetts — Newburyport — for more than 
thirty years, and is now deposited with the ^^Latomia Society " for future 
reference. 

We have given here, verbatim, the Replication of the Illustrious 
Emanuel to the Grand Consistory, accompanying it with a few notes, 
pointing out the mis-statements, perversions and downright falsehoods of 



176 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

the man. All of which, when separated from the paper, leave it empty 
and void, except so far as it concerns the wonderful powers and preten- 
sions of De La Motta, and the direct assaults upon the character of Cer- 
neau as an impostor and a dishonest man. Which charges are entirely 
unsupported by any proof, except the mere assertion of De La Motta 
himself. 

These charges have been fully met, and answered in the history. It 
will be quite sufficient to state here, that from the time of Cerneau's 
arrival, to the time of his departure to France, his native land, in 1834 
or 1835, a period of thirty years, he sustained the character of an upright 
Mason, and an industrious artizan — honest in his dealings, and respected 
by those who were acquainted with him. So far as the conferring of 
Masonic degrees was concerned, that ceased with him as an individual, as 
soon as the Grand Consistory was formed in 1807. This, the records of 
the Consistory abundantly prove. But, as it regards the publication of 
Masonic works, the manufacture of Masonic jewelry, and the sale of 
Masonic implements, &c., these things formed a part of his employment, 
and his living, all the time of his sojourn here, in the same way that it 
now forms the occupation, and subsistence, of members of the fraternity in 
very large numbers, and to a much greater extent. There is nothing 
dishonest or dishonorable in all this, whatever De La Motta and his suc- 
cessors may say about it. 

Would that as much could be said in De La Motta's favor. But, un- 
fortunately for him, this cannot be. From the time he was made a 
Sovereign Grand Inspector General, in 1802, in the month of February," 
we hear of him in his travels around the country, earnestly engaged in 
his occupation. We first hear of his exploits at Savannah, Georgia, at 
which place Abraham Jacobs, his bosom friend, had arrived, with what 
he called a " Power " from " Moses Cohen^'' a brother Israelite, to initiate 
and make Masons, &c. Here Jacobs, although perfectly irresponsible and 
without any legal authority, commenced to confer the degrees, then went 
to Augusta for the same purpose, then to Washington, Wilkes Co., then 
back to Savannah, occupying in this work quite ten years, immediately 
under the sight and knowledge of De La Motta, during which he had 
initiated between forty-five and fifty persons to the Sublime degrees : yet 
not a word was spoken against Jacobs and his operations by De La Mot- 
ta or his Supreme Council. On the contrary, he went down to Savan- 
nah, and helped him in the work there (see Jacobs' Diary, Document 15). 
If there was any complaint to be made of disorder, or irregularity of pro- 
ceedings, surely here were just grounds, but we find that, instead of 



DOCUMENTS. 177 

reproving Jacobs, and calling him to account, he united with him in the 
work, and finally, by management, gets out of the initiated persons, the 
sum of fifty dollars, for what he is pleased to call a Warrant. 

We next hear of him in New York, to which city Jacobs had removed. 
Jacobs was then teaching a Hebrew school, and conferring the degrees 
upon all whom he could " catch^'' although he knew from the commence- 
ment, that the Grand Consistory with subordinate bodies, were in existence 
at the time. If there was any virtue in any of De La Motta's high sound- 
ing powers and titles, he should, on his arriving in New York, have called 
Abraham Jacobs to a strict account for his irregular and scandalous pro- 
ceedings, not only in regard to the Sublime degrees, but also Ancient 
Craft Masonry, as it appeai-s by his Diary, that he was also conferring 
the degrees of " Mark Master,^'' and " Royal Arch,''^ and also stated, that 
he had power to *' initiate, pass and raise " to the Sublime degree of 
a Master Mason. But we hear of no protest against his proceedings. On 
the contrary, when Emanuel arrives, he takes some of these very men, 
initiated by Jacobs, to form his new Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand 
Inspectors General, as Richard Riker, Sampson Simson and Gourgas, 
whom he had initiated himself. How much authority De La Motta had 
to do this work, we will not now stop to inquire. But the Supreme Council 
of his creating continued but a very short time, and then "/<?// asleep." 
Subsequently we hear of De La Motta's residing here, with Gourgas for his 
amanuensis, or Secretary. Wherever he obtained the opportunity for the 
exercise of his Masonic powers and prerogatives, he never failed to exer- 
cise them. 

This is the man who pretends to " stop, crush, and publish " all 
irregular proceedings " a^ once and forever, in the face of men who have 
labored diligently, whose locks are silvered with age and have grown grey 
in the exercise of their '■functions.'' " 

But his main charge against Cerneau is, that he was not possessed of 
the Thirty-third degree, and being ignorant, had no right to establish a 
body to confer this degree. This charge has been proven, groundless, 
inasmuch as all who have ever received that degree at his hands, have 
always met with a fraternal reception, and have been acknowledged as 
such, all over the world. Witness the Marquis de Lafayette, Count St. 
Laurent, Seth Driggs, Joel R. Poinsett, Thomas W. Bacot, Joseph Gouin, 
P. Javain, Leblanc de Marconnay, and a large number whose names it is 
quite unnecessary to particularize. And that is, to us, proof positive that 
" Cerneau and his Grand Society " did really, and truly, possess the 
Thirty-third degree. So said the Grand Orient, and the Supreme Coun- 



178 SCOTTISH EITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

cil of France, so also said the Supreme Council of Belgium, and the 
Grand Orients and Supreme Councils of Brazil and New Granada. 

Now, this being the case, where was the " imposture " practiced by 
Cerneau ? We see none. He professed to have the Thirty-third degree ; 
to prove if, he conferred it upon many others, who were all received and 
acknowledged as such, by the various bodies professing that degree, in 
many parts of the world. Nevertheless, those who had received the de- 
gree at Cerneau's hands, were called " deluded,''^ expelled by this Mounte- 
bank, and required to " become penitent, and make their peace with the 
Illustrious Treasurer General of the United States of America, o&c, 
c&c, before they could be received to his favory 

This Replication, which consists of nearly fifty closely printed pages, 
declares on every page, and on many of the pages, several times over, that 
Cerneau is an impostor of the first magnitude. It shows, from the begin- 
ning to the end, a display of mahcious feeling, of wounded pride, seldom 
to be met with. And yet he calls upon his brethren to witness, that he 
is not sensible of having a wish to injure Mr. Cerneau. He asks with all 
apparent innocence, " What he has done to injure him ? " Surely, if the 
name of an impostor, a deceiver, and a rascal, freely spoken with the 
tongue in public companies, pubhshed in the newspapers of the day, the 
issue of private printed circulars, and forwarding them to every Masonic 
body that could be heard of, is not a serious injury to a man's character 
and feelings, then we confess we do not know, what will produce injury to 
character in this world. 

And what were the results produced ? Doubtless De La Motta believed 
at the time he pubhshed these things, that the fraternity, as a body, 
would believe all he averred, and excommunicate the whole ''''batch'''' 
But herein he found his mistake. The fraternity, as a body, knew very 
well who Dewitt Clinton, John W. Mulligan, Martin Hoffman, Alexander 
S. Glass, Elisha W. King, Cadwallader D. Colden, Elias Hicks and 
others, who were called the " abettors and followers of Cerneau,^'' were, 
and what character they had borne among them, but De La Motta they 
did not know, or if they did, they knew nothing in his favor. They re- 
garded him as an adventurer, a travelling huckster, who was disappointed 
to find that the Ancient and Accepted Rite had become systematized in 
New York, whereby his " occupation " as a travelling pedlar would be 
gone, and smarting under a sense of his loss as the Illustrious Treasurer 
General of the Holy Empire of the United States of America, he came 
on from Charleston to let off "some superabundant steam," in the hope, 
that the noise of the escape would astound the " deluded ones,^^ and bring 



DOCUMENTS. 179 

them to their senses. But alas ! his hopes were disappointed — the docu- 
ments fell " still born" They were returned to him, as sent. The Su- 
preme Council and Sovereign Grand Consistory kept on in a flourishing 
condition, all the membei-s and all the bodies moved on uninterruptedly, 
and De La Motta had had his trouble for his pains. He went home writh- 
ing under the smart ; this replication is the product, and the Supreme 
Council of Cerneau exists in 1862 as it did in 1814, and is likely to con- 
tinue as the history will show. 

After this time we hear very little of De La Motta or his Council. 
Soon after these transactions, an application was made by prominent 
brethren in Charleston, South Carolina, for the establishment of a Consis- 
tory in that State. P. Javain was at once appointed Deputy Inspector 
General, the Consistory was established, it continued to flourish even in 
De La Motta's own city, numbering among its members some of the first 
men in that State. It was strongly opposed by the De La Motta faction, 
at the head of which was Joseph McCosh. In 1822 this difficulty culmi- 
nated, the pubhc papers were full of the controversy ; this replication, 
with other documents, were issued in pamphlet form by McCosh, but it 
all ended in smoke, the Consistory continuing until 1828. 

So much for the published libels of Emanuel De La Motta. Knowing 
their scarcity at the present time, as well as the anxiety of those who 
have heard of the man, to get possession of them we have taken pains to 
insert them all here, not only as matters of reference, but for their pre- 
servation to the fraternity, that perchance some of them may, in a 
leisure hour, turn to them, and witness how far a man, naturally smart, 
can be blinded by prejudice and passion, and thus under these influences, 
be led to wander round, until he earns for himself the reputation and the 
name of a slanderer and a deceiver. 



This Pamphlet is annexed because it is a much more perfect one, than those published in 1813, 
1814, 1815 and 1816. The others are not as full, and as this-is precisely like the preceding 
ones in every respect but that one, the Author has preferred the one of this date. 



OF THE 



mW OMCERS. MEilSS, liiMY IBS, U. 
SUPREME COUNCIL, 

iiiii iiiFiif ill immwk 

F T H E 

AND OF THE 

OF 

SUPREME CHIEFS OF EXALTED MASONRY 

OF THE 

ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONAL SCOTTISH RITE OF HEREDOM, 

FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THEIR TERRITORIES AND 
DEPENDENCIES, 

HELD IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK. 

ALSO OF THE 

CONSTITUTED BODIES OF ITS JURISDICTION, 

AND OF THE 

GRAND BODIES CORRESPONDENT. 
•a A'jro rue IS, 6Si^. 



PRINTED BY Br. J. SEYMOUR, 49 JOHN STREET. 

1818. 



182 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Ordo ab €hao. 

Most Potent Grand Consistory of the Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry 
of the Ancient Scottish Rite of Heredom, for the United States of 
America, their Territories and Dependencies. 

Extract from the minutes of its Sessions of the 30th day of the ninth 
month, Anno Lucis, 5816 ; Common Era, 30th of November, 1816. 

Under the Celestial Canopy of the Zenith, at the central point answer- 
ing to the 40th degree, 41 minutes, N. L. 

The Sovereign Grand Consistory, regularly convoked, met in General 
Assembly on the day above mentioned, at the usual place for holding its 
sittings, and its labors opened by the Sovereign Grand Commander, in 
the accustomed form and manner. 

The subject of the following decree being under consideration, and the 
motives that led to this measure being maturely weighed and appreciated, 
several members having evinced their opinion upon it, and the Illustrious 
Brother Minister of State being heard, it was unanimously adopted in 
these words : 

" Whereas, the right of granting Constitutional Charters for Masonic 
institutions within the United States of America, their Territories and 
Dependencies, from the Secret Master, Fourth degree, to that of Grand 
Inspector General, Thirty-third, both inclusive, exists only with the Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory of Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry ; therefore 

" Resolved, That to be entitled to the privilege and prerogatives of 
Masonic bodies constituted by this Grand Consistory, all that are working 
in those degrees in the United States of America, their Territories and 
Dependencies, under, or under pretence of any foreign authority, shall with- 
in eleven months from the date, present their Warrant or authorization for 
the inspection of this Grand Consistory ; and that the certificates of such 
inspection shall be delivered gratis. 

" Also Resolved, That the preceding resolution be inserted at the head 
of the list of members of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, &c., about to 
be printed. 

" A true copy from the minutes. 

A. Rainetaux, Grand Chancellor," 



DOCUMENTS. 183 



( Seal 

} of the 

( Supreme Council. 



Ordo ah Chao. 

ao tlje ®lor2 of tl)e ®ranlr ^nljUat of tlje Inbaae. 

luprmj Cmmril 

OF 

GRAND INSPECTORS GENERAL OF THE THIRTY-THIRD DEGREE. 



Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander^ 
The Most 111 .*. Bro .*. Joseph Cerneau, Past Master. 

Most Illustrious Deputy Grand Commander, 
Hon. Dewitt Clinton, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, and Gov- 
ernor of the State of New York. 

Most Illustrious Lieutenant Grand Commander, 
Hon. John W. Mulligan, Past Master. 

Illustrious Minister of State, 
The M .-. Ill .-. Bro .*. Cadwallader D. Colden, R. W. Senior War- 
den of the Grand Lodge, and Mayor of the City of New York. 

Illustrious Grand Treasurer of the H. E, 
Charles Guerin, Past Master. 

Illustrious Grand Secretary of the H. E, 
John P. Schisano. 

Illustrious Grand Keeper of the Seals, 
Jonathan Schieffelin, Past Master. 

Present Members. 
Jacob Schieffelin, Toussaint Midy, Joseph Bouchaud, 

James B. Durand, Anthony Rainetaux, Martin Hoffman, 
Joseph Gouin, Thomas Lownds, Elias Hicks, 

Francis Dubuar. 



184 



SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



Absent Members^ 
A. M. DupoTET, (dead) G.'. H/. C.-., The M/. I.-. B/. J. P. Berard, 



G. Hacquet, Grand Honorary Commander, 

J. J. Itter, 

Emanuel Gigaud, P. Duler, 

J. F. HURTEL, J. PiNARD, 

p. Javain, p. Desportes, 



John Huard, 
John P. Le Febre, 
A. J. Blocquerst, 
Louis Le Loup, 
j. dumaine, 



( M.-. P.-. 



Stamp 
of the 
Sov.'. Gr .*. Consistory 



i 



OF 



>«g«M Cljiefe of €m\\t)i Pasonrg. 



The Most Illustrious Brother Joseph Cerneau, Past Master, M .*. P.*. 
Sov .*. Gr .*. Com /. 

Hon. Dewitt Clinton, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, and Gov- 
ernor of the State of New York, Deputy Grand Commander. 

Charles Guerin, Past Master, 1st Lieutenant Grand Commander. 

James B. Durand, Past Master, 2c? Lieutenant Grand Commander. 

John W. Mulligan, Past Master, \st Minister of State. 

The M .*. Ill .'. Bro .*. Cadwallader D. Golden, Senior Warden of the 
Grand Lodge, and Mayor of the City of New York, 2d Minister of 
State. 

Anthony Rainetaux, Grand Chancellor. 

Aaron H. Palmer, Past Master, Grand Secretary. 

James Gelston, Grand Treasurer. 

Joseph Gouin, Grand Keeper of the Seals. 

Jonathan Schieffelin, Past Master, 1*^ Grand Master of Ceremo- 
nies. 




DOCUMENTS. 



185 



Thomas Lownds, Past Master, 2^ Grand Master of Ceremonies. 

ToussAiNT MiDY, Grand Expert Int :. 

Martin Hoffman, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge— 

Grand Captain of the Guards. 
Casper W. Eddy, Grand Hospitaller. 

Joseph Bouchaud, Past Master, \st Assistant to the Grand Secretary. 
Francis Dubuar, Past Master, 2d Assistant to the Grand Secretary. 
John Telfair, Assistant to the Grand Introductor. 

Present Members. 
The Most 111 .-. Bro .*. J. P. Berard, Ex. Grand Chancellor, Grand 

Honorary Officer, Past Master. 
Elias Hicks, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge. 
Jacob Schieffelin, Past Master, John P. Schisano, 
Abraham Lott, Past Master, Alexander Glass, Past Master, 

William T. Hunter, Past Master, George Clinton. 

Absent Members^ 
J. B. Subran, 
Emanuel Gigaud, 
D. D. Dessesarts, 
J. F. Hurtel, 
P. Despores, 

J. ASEMONTI. 

Deputies in the Provinces, 
, J. Pinard, for the State of Louisiana, 
John A. Shaw, for the State of Rhode Island, 
A. J. Blocquerst, for the State of Pennsylvania, 
Peter J avain, for the State of South Carolina, 
Louis Le Loup, for the State of Maryland. 

Honorary Members, 
German Hacquet, Grand Honorary Comman- 
der, Representative near the 
Grand Orient of France, in 
Supreme Council of Rites, 
Sovereign Grand Consistory, 
and Supreme Council of 
Grand Inspectors General of 
the Thirty-third degree. 



Charles Clinton, 
Lalung Montrop, 
W. Davis, 
R. Merrill, 
T. W. Bacot, 



The M .-. Ill .'. Bro 



Louis Labourdette, 
J. B. M. Le Febre, 
Stephen Deblois, 

P. DULER, 
J. DUMAINE, 



The M .-. Ill .-. Bro 



■HI 



186 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

The Most Illustrious Brother J. J. Itter, Representative near the Su- 
preme Council of Grand In- 
spectors General of the Thir- 
ty-third degree, for the Island 
of Jamaica. 

The Most 111 .•. Bro .'. A. M. Dupotet, (dead) Grand Honorary Com- 
mander. 
" " " " John A. Lamorous, 
« « " " John Huard, 
« " " " Joseph Toirac, 
" " " " Barthelemy Brunetaux, 

Representatives of the CorresiJonding Bodies near the Most Potent 
Sovereign Grand Consistory^ 

The Most 111 .*. Bro .'. Joseph Cerneau, for the Grand Orient of 

France, Supreme Council of 
Rites, and Sovereign Grand 
Consistory. 

** " " " James B. Durand, for the Sovereign Grand 

Council, Sublime Princes of 
the Royal Secret for the 
State of Louisiana. 

** " " " Thomas Lownds, for the Sovereign Grand 

Council, Sublime Princes of 
the Royal Secret for the 
State of Rhode Island. 

** ♦' " " John W. Mulligan, for the Sovereign Grand 

Council, Sublime Princes of 
the Royal Secret for the 
State of Pennsylvania. 

** " " " Jacob Schieffelin, for the Sovereign Grand 

Council, Sublime Princes of 
the Royal Secret, for the 
State of South Carolina. 

* * * * ( ) for the Sovereign Grand 

Lodge, Astrde, of Russia. 

The Grand Consistory meet on the five regular meetings, according to 
the laws of the Most Exalted Masonry. 



DOCUMENTS. 



187 



Grand Committee of General Administration^ 
The Most III /. Bro.". Dewitt Clinton, Governor of the State of New 
York, President. 

The Most 111 .•. Bro .". Charles Guerin, Vice President. 

Memlers. 

James B. Durand, John W. Mulligan, Joseph Gouin, 

Anthony Rainetaux, Jacob Schieffelin. 



LIST 



GROD OFFICERS 



of the 



ranb Coitiinl 



OF THE SUBLIME PRINCES OF THE ROYAL SECRET FOR THE STATE 

OF NEW YORK, SITTING IN THE CHAMBER OF 

THE SOVEREIGN GRAND CONSISTORY. 



The Most Illustrious Brethren, 

John W. Mulligan, Illustrious 
Jacob Schieffelin, " 
John P. Schisano, " 

Casper W. Eddy, " 

Aaron H. Palmer, " 

Joseph Gouin, •' 

James Gelston, " 

Jonathan Schieffelin, " 
Francis Dubuar, " 

Thomas Lownds, " 

John Telfair, " 

Abraham Lott, " 

Alexander S. Glass, " 



President, 

Grand Senior Warden, 
" Junior Warden, 
" Orator, 
" Secretary, 
" Treasurer, 
Assistant Grand Treasurer, 
Grand Keeper of the Seals, 
" Master of Ceremonies, 
" Expert, 
" Standard Bearer, 
" Captain of the Guards, 
" Hospitaller. 



188 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

LIST 

OP THE 

GRIND COifNCILS 

OF 

OF THE ROYAL SECRET, CONSTITUTED BY THE MOST POTENT 

SOVEREIGN GRAND CONSISTORY, FOR THE UNITED 

STATES OF AMERICA, &e. 



THE GEAND COUNCIL 
for the State of Louisiana^ sitting in the City of Wew Orleans. 
The Most Illustrious Brethren, 

John Pinard, Illustrious President, 

John B. M. Le Febre, " Grand Senior Warden^ 

Emanuel Gigaud, " " Junior Warden, 

Francis Martinez Y. Pizarro, " " Orator, 

Denis R. DeschanetDessesarts, " " Secretary, 

C. F. La Roux, " '' Treasurer, 

RoMAiN Pamar, " " Expert, 

Raymond Devezeb, " " Captain of the 

Guards. 

Absent Members, 
John De Up.cullee, Noel Cesar Fournier, 

Honorary Members, 
Joseph Cerneaf, Dewitt Clinton, 

James B. Durand, Rep/, near the Sov/, Gr/. Con.% 



THE GRAND COUNCIL 
for the State of Rhode Island, sitting in the City of Newfort, 
The Most Illlustrious Brethren, 

Isaac Stall, Illustrious President, 

John Brown, " Grand Senior Warden, 

Richard Merrill, " " Junior Warden, 



DOCUMENTS. 189 

William Coggeshall, Illustrious Grand Secretary, 
Stephen Deblois, " " Treasurer, 

J. Perry, " " Master of Ceremonies, 

Edward Easton, " " Keeper of the Seals, 

Elisha Chase, " " Captain of the Guards, 

Present Members^ 
The Most Illustrious Brethren, 

Wm. Douglass, Elisha Bliss, Pratt. 

Absent Members^ 
David M. Coggeshall, Wm. Davis. 

Honorary Member^ 
Thomas Lownds, Representative near the Sovereign Grand Con- 
sistory. 



THE GRAND COUNCIL 

for the State of Pennsylvania^ sitting in the City of Philadelphia. 

The Most Illustrious Brethren, 

John F. Hurtel, Illustrious President, 

John F. Canonge, " Grand Senior Warden, 

John F. Herils, " " Junior Warden, 

Peter Duler, " " Secretary, 

J. Gardette, " " Treasurer, 

,A. Sabal, " " Keeper of the Seals, 

J. M. Monges, " " Hospitaller. - 

Honorary Member^ 

John W. Mulligan, Representative near the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory. 



THE GRAND COUNCIL 

for the State of South Carolina^ sitting in the City of Charleston. 
The Most Illustrious Brethren, 
J. S. Cogdell, G.-. S .-. W.-. of the G.-. L.-., 111.-. President, 

T. W. Bacot, G.\ M.-. of the G.-. L.-., « Ex-President| 

A. E. Ulmo, « Deputy President, 

L M. Wilson, G/. S.'. of the G.', L.*., " Grand Senior Warden, 

Peter Fayolle, « « Junior Warden, 



190 



SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



u 


" Secretary, 


u 


" Treasurer, 


u 


" Master of Ceremonies, 


u 


" Keeper of the Seals, 


u 


" Captain of the Guards, 


(( 


" Expert, 


» 


" Hospitalier. 



F. L. L. Herminier, Illustrious Grand Orator, 

Charles S. Tucker, 

Peter Desportes, 

A. L. Prince, 

A A. A. Carivene, 

Samuel Richard, 

Richard Pearce, 

Jacques Magnan, 

Present Members, 
Most Illustrious Brothers, 

Joel R. Poinsett, Benjamin Matthews. 

Absent Members, 
Most Illustrious Brothers, 

John Dumaine, Simon S. Chancognie. 
Honorary Members, 
Most Illustrious Brothers, 

Peter Javain, Rep.*, of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, U. S. A., 
Jacob Schieffelin, Rep .'. near the Sovereign Grand Consistory. 



John Wylee. 



SOVEREIGN CHAPTER OF P .-. R .-. ^ .-. 

Under the title of " Triple Alliance," sitting in the valley of New 

York. 

Most Respectable and Puissant Brethren, 
Jonathan Schieffelin, President, 



Francis Dubuar, 
Thomas Lownds, 
Martin Hoffman, 
Harman Westervelt, 
James B. Durand, 
John P. Schisano, 
Gerritt Morgan, 
Tobias W. Bedell, 
Casper W. Eddy, 
Joseph Collet, 
Elias Hicks, 
Aaron H. Palmer, 
John Telfair, 



Grand Senior Warden, 
" Junior Warden, 
" Orator, 
" Secretary, 

" Ex. President of Chap. Grand Treasurer, 
" Keeper of Seals, 
" Expert, 

" Master of Ceremonies, 
" Hospitalier, 
" Guard of the Temple, 
Assistant to Grand Orator, 
" " " Secretary, 
" " " Master of Ceremonies. 



DOCUMENTS. 191 

Members^ 
John \Y. Mulligan, Ex. Pres. Touissant Midy, 

of Chap., Anthony Rainetaux, 

Wm. T. Hunter, Joseph Bouchaud, 

Peter Freval, Mathias B. Tallmadge, 

John M. Gervaize, Abraham Lott, 

Alexander S. Glass, William Stuart, 

FiTZ E. Halle CK, Benjamin P. Kiss am, 

Thomas Smith Webb, Peter Gkennell, 

Joseph Asemonti, Marc Crivellie, 

Jonathan Carlton. 



SOVEREIGN CHAPTER OF ROSE ^, 

Under the title of " Friends of Peace," sitting in the valley of Charles- 
ton, South Carolina. 
Most Respectable and Puissant Brothers, 

Joel R. Poinsett, Illustrious President, 



Thomas W. Bacot, 


" 


Ex 


. President, 


Charles S. Tucker, 


u 


Grand Senior Warden, 


Richard PiIarce, 


u 


u 


Junior Warden, 


F. L. L' Herminier, 


u 


(( 


Orator, 


Peter Desportes, 


li 


u 


Treasurer, 


Samuel Richards, 


u 


(( 


Secretary, 


A. A. A. Carivene, 


(( 


<( 


Keeper of the Seals, 


Peter Fayolle, 


(( 


u 


Expert, 


Benjamin Mathews, 


u 


u 


Master of Ceremonies, 


Jacques Magnan, 


u 


u 


Hospitaller, 


A. S. Prince, 


11 


u 


Guard of the Temple. 




Me 


mbers, 




John S. Cogdell, 


A. E. 


Ulmo, 


Isaac M. Wilson. 



Absent Members, 
John Dumaine, Simon S. Chancognie, 

John Wylee, Peter Lorence. 

Honorary Members, 
Most Respectable and Puissant Brothers, 

Peter Javain, Representative of Sovereign Grand Consistory, 
Jacob Schieffelin, Rep .'. n<iar Sovereign Grand Consistory. 



192 



SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



CORRESPONDING BODIES. 
The Grand Orient of France^ in Supreme Council of the Rites. 
Germain Hacquet, President, 
RoETiER De Montaleau, Ist Representative of the Grand 

Master of the Grand Orient of France. 
Gastebois, Grand Senior Warden, 



Dejolly Frayssinet, 

BORIE, 
SiVARD, 

Chachere De Beaurepaire, Gen. 

DUBIN. 



Junior Warden, 

Orator, 

Secretary, 

Treasurer, 

Keeper of the Seals. 



The Sovereign Grand Consistory of France^ 
The Most Illustrious Brothers, 

Germain Hacquet, Sovereign Grand Commander, 
Pajot D' Orville, 1st Lieut. " " 

De Foissy, 2d Lieutenant " " 

David D' Bedellun, Minister of State, 
Geneux, Grand Chancellor, 



GOETZ, 
DuBIN, 

Gasteboix, 

De Beaurepaire, 

Benou, , 

Theurel De Flammicourt, 



Jacques, 



SiVARD, 

Delaunay, 
Mercadier, 



G. 



Treasurer, 
Keeper of Seals, 
Master of Ceremony, 
Expert Introduc. 
Standard Bearer, 
Captain of the Guards, 
Hospitaher. 



Officers^ 
Moreau De St. Merry, 
Salleneuve, 
Prosteau, 

BOURET. 



Sallambier, 
De La Roche, 
montlouis, 



Tribunal of Appeal of the Grand Consistory of France, 
Most Illustrious Brothers, 

De La Haye, President, 

Bertsnasco, Grand Senior Warden, 

HoussEMENT, " Junior Warden, 



Challan, 



Orator, 



DOCUMENTS. 193 

Le Clerc, Grand Secretary, 

PouLETT, " Master of Ceremonies, 

Watte Au, " Keeper of Seals. 

Officers^ 

Belleyme, De Beaumont, Bouillon, 

Van Esbecq, Savin, Gaume. 



The Sovereign Grand Lodge, Astree, of Russia, sitting at St. 
Petersburg. 

By the Committee of General Administration. 
Signed, manu propria, 

Dewitt Clinton, President, Charles Guerin, Vice President, 
James B. Durand, J. Schieffelin, 

Jos. BoucHAUD, Grand Secretary. 

Sealed and Stamped by 




Jonathan Schieffelin, ) Stamp. > 

Grand Keeper of the Seals, ( ) 



By command, 



Aaron H. Palmer, Joseph Gouin. 

Grand Chancellor. 
Communications to the Sovereign Grand Consistory, &c., to be ad- 
dressed to Joseph Cerneau, No. 6 1 Chatham Street, New York. 



ijocxTnMiEsr^rT r»a"o. ax. 



CONTROVERSY LN THE CHARLESTON NEWSPAPERS. 

From the Southern Patriot, of May 3d, 1822. 

To all whom it may concern, and the Craft in general, 
The subscriber has read, with extreme pain, various publications in the 

newspapers, and particularly one in Thursday evenings' '■''Patriot^'' and 

Friday mornings' " Courier,^'' headed, " Lux ex Tenebris^'' over the name 

of Joseph McCosh, Secretary. 

The exclusive powers claimed in this last advertisement has compelled 

this public notice. 



194 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

It is not proper to lay before the public, nor even the Masonic frater- 
nity, in this way, the proceedings of the Sovereign. Grand Consistory for 
the United States, sitting at New York, as regards the improper acts and 
usurpation of authority, by certain persons in this place, whilst her Grand 
Council for this State, duly and legally constituted, was existing and 
regularly working under Charters thence derived. Pending the further 
deliberations, and until the final determination of the said Sovereign 
Grand Consistory at New York, all correct Masons may be satisfactorily 
informed, from the most full and indisputable documents, which are in 
possession of the subscriber, of the constitutionality and claim of the said 
Sovereign Grand Consistory, to sole and exclusive sovereignty in the 
United States. 

A dissemination of such information may guard the unwary, and tend 
to prevent a reproduction of discord among the Masonic family in this 
State. P. Javain, 

Deputy Inspector General, representing the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory of the United 
States, for the State of South Carolina. 



From the Charleston Mercury of May 6th, 1822. 

To all whom it may concern. 

As silence might imply assent to the above notice of P. Javain, it 
seems proper for the accused, in self defence, to inform the Craft, that P. 
Javain represents an illegal body of Masons in New York, who have been 
regularly expelled as impostors, usurpers and pretenders, to a knowledge 
of degrees of which they are ignorant, and a power to confer such as they 
do know, contrary to the established rules of the Order. Since February, 
1783, the degrees in question have been legally conferred in this city, by 
a power regularly emanating from Frederick of Prussia, who possessed 
the Sovereign powers in Free Masonry from 1761 to 1st of May, 1786, 
when he delegated his high powers to a certain number of Grand Coun- 
cils of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, who were to be initiated into 
a separate degree on that occasion, and were to continue "/(9r life " (ex- 
cept removed for improper conduct,) certain articles were established for 
their government and direction, called " ^Ae Grand Constitutions.^'' By 
these they were empowered to meet, whenever, and as often as they 
deemed fit. In all their Patents and Commissions were these remark- 
able words : " We authorize and empower you to establish, congregate 
and superintend and inspect Lodges, Chapters, &c., agreeably to the 



■■■■f 



DOCUMENTS. I95 

Grand Constitutions." And by these Constitutions of 31st of May, 1786, 
Deputy Inspectors General were restricted from acting. 

In 1801, 31st of May, a Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspec- 
tors General, was duly opened and established in this city, and its officers 
appointed for life, four of whom are still living and agreeably to the 
Grand Constitutions, the Council cannot become extinct. Besides these 
four, there is in this country another Council of seven alive, who will 
succeed if this Council should ever become extinct, but the last one of 
either Council possesses the power of renovating it at his pleasure. 

P. Javain is the Eepresentative of a body created by one Joseph Cerneau, 
jeweller,' who is first traced to this country in Longworth's Directory, 1809, 
with the letters G. I. G. P. S. G. C, attached to his name. By availing 
himself of the strong political divisions of the State of New York, at that 
time raging most furiously, a conduct directly opposite to every Masonic 
principle, he strengthened himself so much as, by the spring of 1813, to 
burst from his secrecy, and publish to the world his famous " Tahltau^^ 
by the very wording of which he convinced every Mason, initiated into 
these degrees, of his total ignorance of some of the highest which he pre- 
tended to communicate, nor has the angry representative of his expelled 
body, yet learnt the titles of the degrees which he pretends to give, as 
plainly appears by the wording of the above notice. After every exertion 
at an amicable adjustment had fciiled, the expulsions of Joseph Cerneau 
and "aZ/ his abettors and followers,'^ was finally ratified 24th of Decem- 
ber, 1813, copies of which are left at the offices of the different newspapers 
for the inspection of such as desire it. The accused would improve this 
opportunity, to protest in the strongest terms possible, against dragging 
the concerns of the fraternity before the public, and should any contention 
arise among the Craft, they are blameless. P. Javain alone may thank 
himself for it. The accused resorted to every honorable expedient to 
avoid such a termination, and but for P. Javain all differences would have 
been amicably adjusted ; yet he is only an honorary member of this body 
he is so strongly advocating on his individual responsibility. 

All correct Masons may be satisfactorily informed, from the most full 
and indisputable documents which are in possession of the only regular 
body of Sublime Masons in South Carolina, and which have been accu- 
raulatino- for these forty years back, of the constitutionality and honest 
claims to sovereign authority, which invested the body who publish this 
reply to P. Javain's wanton attack. The unbiassed of the Masonic family 
are warmly invited to make the strictest investigation of all the circum- 
stances connected with this subject, and they are asked, if any twenty or 



■a 



196 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

thirty Fellow Crafts were to sign a Charter to make Master Masons in 
some distant port, whether the Masons made under such a Charter would 
be legal ; or whether they would not be denounced as impostors ? But 
time will determine this question, and it is sincerely hoped, repair the 
breach that is now made in this fair fabric. No canting apology is made 
for the pain felt in this reply. 

May the Grand Architect of the Universe guide and direct all the 
brotherhood, whether of high or low degree, in all their actions, and 
make them redound to his glory. 

Joseph McCosh, Secretary. 



From the Charleston Mercury, May 7th, 1822. 

To all whom it may concern^ and the, Craft in general. 

I HAVE already said that public journals are not the proper medium 
through which to make remarks respecting Masonic disputes, nor can they 
give either strength or credit to any unmasonic or unauthorized denunci- 
ations which they may convey to the public. 

The only notice which it is necessary for me to take, of the publication 
which appeared in yesterday's '''' Mercury ^^ over the name of Joseph 
McCosh, in reply to my address to members of the Crafty in the gazettes 
of this city, is again, earnestly to invite all Free Masons of correct princi- 
ples, to view the indisputable evidences in my possession, proving the 
constitutionality of the Sovereign Grand Consistory in New York, as 
above stated ; which documents are opposed only by a " handbill,^'' the re- 
publication of which, I am authorized by a letter, bearing date, 1st ulti- 
mo, to say, was not made with either the knowledge or the approbation 
of the respectable brother whose name is used therein, to give a sanction 
to the proceedings of the persons associated with Joseph McCosh, which 
letter may also be seen on application to 

P. Javain, 

No. 187 King Street. 

Note. — The " respectable '^ brother here alluded to is Mr. Cerneau. 



From the Giarleston Mercury, May 8th, 1822. 

To all the Masonic family. 
Brothers : 
P. Javain, No. 187 King Street, having completely admitted all the 
facts in my reply of the 6th inst., I sincerely hope this may be the last 
time I shall be obliged to wound your feelings in this public manner. In 



DOCUMENTS. 197 

regard to his notice in the ^^ Mercury ^^ of yesterday morning, you all 
know that truth and justice will give strength and credit, to all Masonic 
and authorized statements. 

To obtain the permission of an individual, to circulate what had been 
over eight years in circulation, seemed unnecessary, as the individual 
alluded to, repeatedly and most positively refused to take any part what- 
ever in the subject at issue ; and more especially as all the original letters 
relating thereto, in the handwriting of the signers, and the sealed expul- 
sion itself, were carefully examined by myself and others beforehand; 
these documents were genuine. 

How P. Javain's documents are indisputable, which have been in con- 
tinual dispute ever since they were made, is best known to him who has 
so long most carefully concealed them from the inspection of all those, 
who, from their knowledge of these degrees, are able to form an opinion 
of their genuineness. P. Javian's change of opinions, in speaking of the 
individual alluded to, is to be hailed as a presage of future good. 

Finally, my brothers, " try all things, prove all things, and hold fast 
that which is good." 

With respect, Joseph McCosh. 



KEMARKS BY THE AUTHOR. 

The reader may require some explanation to these communications, 
not being familiar with the circumstances which led to, or were connected 
with the above, and many other publications by the opposing party, 
ostensibly headed by Joseph McCosh, but really by Emanuel De La Motta, 
in Charleston, his then place of residence. 

With the proceedings of De La Motta at New York, the reader is al- 
ready well informed. Immediately after the publication of De La Mot- 
ta's Pteplication in the month of December, 1814, a petition for a Sub- 
lime Council of Princes of the Royal Secret, from persons in that city, 
was presented to the Sovereign Grand Consistory in New York, favor- 
ably acted upon by that body, and P. Javain was appointed Deputy In- 
spector General for the State of South Carolina, with full powers to 
superintend the establishment of the Grand Council there. 

It was established and went into operation, numbering among its mem- 
bers some of the most respectable men in the city, many of them officers 
and members of the Grand Lodge in that State. Immediately after its 
organization, De La Motta commenced operations against it, by malicious 
reports and misrepresentations, by the free circulation of his printed ex- 



198 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

pulsion of Joseph Cerneau, his aiders, abetters and followers — by the cir- 
culation of their names printed in ^^ red letters''^ in various handbills — and 
by all the various means such a character was capable of using, in order 
to injure them in the public estimation. 

But he managed this dirty work so adroitly, that his name did not ap- 
pear in the proceedings. In the course of time, he had gathered around 
him a considerable number of men, who became devoted to his interests, 
among whom was one Joseph McCosh. Being a pliant tool in his hands, 
he made him the ^Header.'''' He was not yet elevated to the Thirty-third 
degree, or even to the Consistory. And the inducements held out to 
him, as well as the promises made by De La Motta, spurred him on. He 
left no plan untried, and finally, in the year 1822, had forced the whole 
matter before the public in the Charleston daily papers. 

Although this course of proceeding was entirely" repugnant to the feel- 
ings of Mr. Javain, as well as to every member of the Grand Council, he 
thought proper to reply to one of the published communications, in his 
official capacity, simply requiring those among the brethren who felt any 
interest in the matter, to call upon him at his house and he would satisfy 
them of the legality of the Sovereign Grand Consistory by the exhibition • 
of the proper documents, &c. 

The replies show the character of the opposers, being merely a repeti- 
tion of the New York farce. The printed expulsions are re-circulated ; 
Cerneau, his abettors and followers are pronounced impostors and igno- 
rant men ; the story of Federick of Prussia and the Secret Constitution is 
repeated, together with the bald and naked falshood, that their bodies 
were acknowledged all over the world. If the communications had been 
signed by De La Motta himself, no one would probably have noticed 
them, as all the residents of Charleston knew " all about himr As a 
reward for the services which McCosh had rendered, he was admitted to 
the Supreme Council of De La Motta's, and made a Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General, Thirty-third degree. 

These proceedings had no effect upon either the Grand Council of 
Princes, or the Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix. The character of both 
bodies was not injured in any way, and they continued their labors, as 
has been before stated, until the year 1827. 



DOCUMENTS. 199 



iDOCTJUMiEsr^T isro. as. 



' Stamp 
Consistory. 



1 



Orilo ab Chao, 

DIXIT DOMINUS FIAT LUX ET LUX FUIT. 



From the Orient of the Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Consistory of 
the Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry, according to the Ancient Con- 
stitutional Scottish Rite of Heredom, for the United States of America, 
etc., etc., etc., held in the city of New York, at the central point of 40 
deg., 41 min., North Latitude. 

To all Sovereign Grand Consistories, Councils, Chapters, Encampments 
and Grand Lodges, wheresoever established, throughout the world, greet- 
ing, 

Extract from the minutes of extra sitting, held on the 10th day of the 
9th month, Anno Lucis, 5820 ; Christian Era, 10th of November, 1820. 

Present, the Most Illustrious Joseph Cerneau, Sovereign Grand Com- 
mander, (fee. 

The Sovereign Grand Commander laid before the Consistory sundry 
documents and correspondence, recently received, relating to the Anti- 
Masonic and irregular conduct of a certain Josepei De Glock D' Ober- 
NA^ ; and the facts connected therewith being substantiated to the full 
satisfaction of the Grand Consistory, the following Preamble and Resolu- 
tion were submitted, adopted, and ordered to be circulated : 

" Whereas, satisfactory information has been received by this Grand 
Consistory, that Joseph De Glock D'Obernay, alias D'Obernay 
De Glock, professing to be a regularly constituted Mason, and member 
of the Masonic Order, and to have taken all the degrees as far as the de- 
gree of Grand Inspector General, or Thirty-third degree, has, under pre- 



200 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

tence of bis quality as possessing this last degree, not only interrupted the 
harmony of the Order by the creation of members, and the erection of a 
Grand Consistory, in a place or places within the jurisdiction of this Grand 
Consistory, and where competent power had already been conveyed ; but 
also by conferring of his own mere motion, the three first degrees of 
Ancient Masonry, and transferring the power of doing so to others, within 
the jurisdiction of regularly organized Grand Lodges, or within the vicin- 
ity of Lodges which-, by some such regularly organized Grand Lodge, had 
been duly and efficiently constituted, and contrary to all Masonic usage; 
now, therefore, in order to prevent, as much as possible, the continuance 
of these practices on the part of the said Joseph De Glock D' Obernay, 
alias D' Obernay De Glock, and to guard the Masonic community of 
all the degrees against his further impositions. 

Resolved, That the statement contained in the preceding preamble be 
communicated to all the bodies with whom this Grand Consistory is in 
correspondence, and also to all known Grand Lodges throughout the 
world." 

By order of the Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Consistory. 
Attest, Signed, Aaron H. Palmer, 

Grand Chancellor. 





LIST 


GRAND OFFICERS 


iiST PllSSi! Sifill&i BMi liSISfllY. 


The Most Illustrious Brothers, 


Joseph Cerneau, 


Past Master, Sov .'. Gr:. Com .' 


Dewitt Clinton, 


Governor of the State 




of New York, Past 




Grand Master of 




: the Grand Lodge, JDejp .'. Gr .*. Com ,• 


Charles Guerin, 


Past Master, 1st Lieut. G.'. G :, 


James B. Durand, 


Past Master, U Lieut. G .'. C .\ 


John W. Mulligan, 


Deputy Grand Mas- 




ter Grand Lodge, Ist Minister of Stat 



DOCUMENTS. 



201 



The Most Illustrious Brothers, 

Cadwallader D. Golden, Mayor of the City of 

N. Y., Past Senior 
Grand Warden of 
Grand Lodge, 

Aaron H. Palmer, Past Master, 

Joseph Bouchaud, Past Master, 

Francis Dubuar, Past Master, 

Harman Westervelt, 

James Gelston, 

Elias Hicks, 

Jonathan Schieffelin, 
Thomas Lownds, 
Touissant Midy, 
John Telfair, 
Martin Hoffman, 



Abraham Lott, 



Grand Secretary of 

Grand Lodge, 
Past Master, 
Past Master, 

Past Master, 

Past Deputy Grand 

Master of Grand 

Lodge, 
Worshipful Master of 

Holland Lodge, 



2d Minister of Slate. 
Grand Chancellor. 
Grand Secretary. 
\st Ass .-. Gr .'. Sec. 
2d Ass.: Gr.'. Sec: 
Grand Treasurer. 

G.:K.:oftU S :. 
\st G.:M.: of C .: 
2d G.:M.:of C: 
Grand Ex.: Intro.: 
Assist. Ex .: Intro .: 



Grand C .: of G .: 
Grand Hospitaller. 



202 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



X^OClTlMIJEir^T T^<:y, aS. 



COPY OF THE PATENT 

OF 

ILL.-. BRO.-. SETH DRIGGS, 

E« tje ©flovj of ttie ffiranB architect ot tje Slralinst. 



I 



r 

Vignette. 



OrMo ah €hmo. 

We, the Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander, and General 
Grand Committee, Inspectors General of Thirty-third degree. Grand Dig- 
nitaries, Grand Officers and Members of the Sovereign Grand Consistory 
of the Supreme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry for the United States of 
America, her Territories and Dependencies, regularly constituted by Con- 
stitutional Patents bearing date the 28th day of the 8th Masonic month, 
in the year eighteen hundred and seven, and sitting at the central point 
above mentioned — Declare, certify and attest by these presents, that being 
assembled by an extraordinary convocation, the General Grand Committee 
communicated to us a Petition, addressed to our Sovereign Grand Con- 
sistory, and signed by the very Illustrious Brother Seth Driggs, who de- 
sires to labor for the advantage and increase of our Royal Art in its ut- 
most perfection, and solicits from us a Constitutional Patent, investing in 
him the title and prerogatives of Representative of our Sovereign Grand 
Consistory for the island of Trinidad, 

The Sovereign Grand Consistory, after having considered the advan- 
tages which may result in favor of the Sublime Order by the establish- 
ment of Exalted Masonry in that part of the New World, and considering 
that a like establishment can only be useful for the propagation of true 
Masonic principles, and for the reformation of all abuses which may have 



DOCUMENTS. 203 

been introduced, to prevent any irregular initiation to the Sublime de- 
grees, and to see the Statutes and General Regulations of the Order ob- 
served. 

Placing the utmost confidence in the zeal, fervor and knowledge of our 
Illustrious Brother in the Royal Art, have unanimously decreed, 

First, That the Illustrious Brother Seth Driggs, born in Middletown, 
State of Connecticut, in the United States of America, aged Twenty-nine 
years, and who has resided in the island of Trinidad twelve years. Sub- 
lime Prince of the Royal Secret, Member of the Sublime Grand Council 
of Princes of the Royal Secret for the State of New York ; Sovereign 
Grand Inspector General, Thirty-third, and Member of the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory of the United States of America, her Territories and 
Dependencies, shall be, and by these Patents is clothed M'ith the Sublime 
dignity of Deputy Grand Inspector General, Representative of our Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory for the island of Trinidad, under the vertical 
point of the Zenith, answering to the 10th deg., 29 rain.. North Latitude. 

Second, That he is invested with power to elevate a sufficient number 
of Masons, already regularly admitted to the three first degrees of Sym- 
bolic Masonry, whom he shall deem worthy by their virtues and their 
zeal for the Royal Art, to all the degrees of Exalted Masonry — comprising 
the Fourth or Secret Master, Perfect Master, Intimate Secretary, Provost 
and Judge, Intendant of the Building, Elect of Nine, Illustrious Elect of 
Fifteen, Sublime Knight Elect, Grand Master Architect, King Solomon's 
Royal Arch, Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Mason, Knight of the 
East and Sword, Prince of Jerusalem, Knight of the East and West, 
Sovereign Prince of Rose Croix de H.*., Grand Pontiff, Grand Master of 
all Symbolic Lodges, Patriarch Noachite, Prince of Liban, Chief of the 
Tabernacle, Prince of the Tabernacle, Knight of the Brazen Serpent, 
Prince of Mercy, Commander of the Temple, Knight of the Sun, Patriarch 
of the Crusades, Kadosch, Grand Inquisitor Commander and Sublime 
Prince of the Royal Secret, to the end that he may establish, in the town 
Port of Spain, island of Trinidad, a Grand Provisional Committee of Sub- 
lime Princes of the Royal Secret, and will call to his aid all the regular 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret in the island, and send to our 
Sovereign Grand Consistory a true account of his proceedings, in order to 
obtain tfie ratification of the same. The Provisional Grand Committee 
thus established and governed by our said Illustrious Brother, Seth 
Driggs, shall then solicit from our Sovereign Grand Consistory a Charter 
for the establishment of a Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix, and a Con- 
stitutional Patent for the establishment of a Grand Council of Sublime 



204 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Princes of the Royal Secret for the said island of Trinidad, and to be 
careful that the Statutes and General Regulations of Exalted Masonry, 
and particularly those of the Sovereign Grand Consistory are carefully 
observed. 

Third, That when the Grand Council of Princes of the Royal Secret 
shall be established in the island aforesaid, full and absolute power shall 
be concentrated in that body. 

Fourth, That our said Illustrious Brother, Seth Driggs, shall have the 
right to inspect the labors of said Grand Council and Sovereign Chapter 
of Rose Croix, and other bodies of Exalted Masonry which may be estab- 
lished. He will be careful to repress and give information to our Sov- 
ereign Grand Consistory of such innovations as may be therein intro- 
duced. The Sovereign Grand Consistory, confidently reposing in the 
honor and the integrity of the Illustrious Brother Seth Driggs, promise 
to acknowledge and to approve of all he may do for the splendor and 
prosperity of our sublime institution. 

Fifth, That a copy of these decrees, clothed in all the requisite for- 
mahties, shall be furnished with all convenient despatch to our Illustrious 
Brother Seth Driggs, and the Sovereign Grand Consistory will invest him 
with all the rights, privileges and prerogatives attached to the Sublime 
degrees with which he is decorated, have delivered to him this present 
Patent, in the margin of which he has signed his name, to the end that 
it may be useful to him in all places and at all times. We therefore re- 
quest all our Most Illustrious, very Valiant Knights, and Masonic Princes 
regularly constituted, to acknowledge and favorably receive our Most 
Illustrious Brother Seth Driojo-s, in the Sublime dio-nities in which he is 
clothed, promising the like respect toward those who may present them- 
selves in our Orients, at the doors of our sacred asylums furnished with 
the like authentic titles. 

Given by us. Sovereign Grand Committee, Grand Inspectors General, 
Thirty-third ; Grand Dignitaries, Grand Officers and Members of the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory for the United States of America, her Terri- 
tories and Dependencies under our hands, mysterious Seal, and the Grand 
Seal of Princes of Masonry, under the C .*. C .-., near the B .*. B .'., in a 
place where the most valuable treasures are deposited, the sight of which 
fills us with consolation, joy and gratitude for all that is great and good. 

At the city of New York, United States of America, under the sign 
Libra, this fifth day of the seventh Masonic month called Tisri, year of 
light, 5822, and of the Christian Era, 1822. 

Sio-ned, T.-. M.-. 111.-. BB .'. 



DOCUMENTS. 205 

Joseph Cerneau, Honorary Grand Commander, ad vitam, 

JoHx\ W. Mulligan, Thirty-third, " " 

Dewitt Clinton, " Deputy " " 

T. Morgan, ' Thirty-second, 1st Lieut." " pro tern. 

Jonathan Sciiieffelin, Thirty-third, 2d " " " " 

Tobias W. Bedell, Thirty-second, 1st Minister of State, 

Cadwallader D. Colden, Thirty-third, 2d " " " 

Aaron H. Palmer, " Grand Chancellor, 

John Telfair, " " Secretary General, 

Joseph Bouchaud, 

Francis Dubuar, 

Harman Westervelt, 

Thomas Lownds, 

Oliver M. Lownds. 



x>oc"03m:e3I!^t r^o. a-a. 



■) Seal. (• 



Ordo ah Chao. 

Beus if^eumque Jus, 

Most Potent Sovereign Grand Consitsory of the Supreme Chiefs of 
Exalted Masonry of the Ancient Scottish Rite of Heredom for the United 
States of America, their Territories and Dependencies. 

Extract from the Minutes of its Session of the 14th day of the 9th 
month, Anno Lucis, 5823 ; Christian Era, November 14th, 1823. 

Under the Celestial Canopy of the Zenith, at the central point, answer- 
ing to the 40th dog., 41 min., North Latitude. 

The Sovereign Grand Consistory, regularly convoked, met in General 
Assembly on the day above mentioned, at the usual place for holding 



206 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

its sittings, and its labors opened by the Sovereign Grand Conimander in 
the accustomed form and manner. 

The subject of the following resolution being under consideration, and 
the motives which led to this measure being maturely weighed and appre- 
ciated, several members having evinced their opinions upon it, and the 
Illustrious Brother, Minister of State, being heard, it was unanimously 
adopted in these words — 

The Sovereign Grand Consistory having heard read a communication 
from our Representative for the State of South Carolina, respecting the 
Grand Council in the said State, and having seriously deliberated upon 
the same, has felt it a duty thus promptly and expressly to caution all 
Councils and Chapters deriving their authority from under this Sovereign 
Grand Consistory, against having connection or holding correspondence 
with any Councils or Chapters, or with any person or persons professing 
to be member or members of any Council or Chapter located in the United 
States of America, particularly with certain Societies under the assumed 
title of " Kadosli^'' (K .'. H .*.) whost members are unworthy of 'possess- 
ing the Sublime degrees of Philosophic Masonry, which cere founded on the 
Christian Religion, to which they are enernies in principles and not 
recognized by this Sovereign Grand Consistory. All and every such 
Chapters being spurious and irregular, and their members " impostorsP 
And in order that it may be fully understood who are and who are not 
regular, it has been deemed expedient to promulgate that Patents have 
been granted by this Sovereign Grand Consistory for the formation and 
establishment of Grand Councils of Princes of the Royal Secret, and 
Capitularly Charters for Sovereign Chapters of Rose Croix in the follow- 
ing places — viz. : 

New York, State of New York, 

Charleston, State of South Carolina, 

Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, 

New Orleans, State of Louisiana, 

Baltimore, State of Maryland, 

Newport, State of Rhode Island, 

Newburyport, State of Massachusetts, 

Norfolk, State of Virginia, 

Havana, Island of Cuba, 

Mayaguez, Island of Puerto Rico, 

Cumana, C 

Barcelona, { Republic of Columbia, South America, 

Laguayra, I 



• DOCUMENTS. 20V 

all of which are now in the active operation of their powers and functions. 
And further, that this Sovereign Grand Consistory has, at this moment, 
Deputy Grand Inspectors General and Representatives residing in all the 
above mentioned States, Provinces and Departments, to either or all of 
which Grand Councils, Sovereign Chapters of Rose Croix or Representa- 
tives, apphcation may be made by any brother regularly possessing the 
degrees of Exalted Masonry, as also by all other Masonic bodies connec- 
ted with this Sovereign Grand Consistory, either by afSlliation or corres- 
pondence, for information on any and on all subjects relating to the or- 
der, and loithout ivhose recognition, no person or 'persons claiming the 
jjrivileges of the same, should or ought to he received and admitted into 
said Councils and Chapters, and acknowledged by the respective mem- 
bers of the same. 

This Sovereign Grand Consistory cannot avoid considering the present 
a very apt and proper occasion for enjoining upon all the Grand Councils 
and Sovereign Chapters of Rose Croix subordinate to its authority, and 
upon all its Deputy Grand Inspectors General and Representatives, where- 
soever located, strictly to abstain from entering into any public contro- 
versy on the subject of its regularity or constitutional organization, its 
recognition by the Grand Orient, Grand Consistory, and Supreme Coun- 
cil of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree of 
France, and by all other regularly constituted Sovereign Grand Consis- 
tories in Europe, bearing ample testimony to the order and solidity of its 
foundation. 

A true copy from the minutes, 

John Telfair, 

Grand Chancellor. 



208 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



13O0TJ3!^3ESB3'T' I^o. aS. 



COPY OF THE PATENT 



OF 



ILL.-. BRO.*. RICHARD S. SPOFFORD,M.D 




At the Grand Orient of the Most Potent Sovereign Grand Consistory 
of Supreme Chiefe of Exalted Masonry, according to the Ancient and 
Accepted Scottish Kite of Herodini, for the United States of America, 
their Territories and Dependencies, regularly constituted under the Celes- 
tial Canopy, near the B .'. B .*. at the central point, answering to the 
40th deg., 41 min., North Latitude, 

May the rebuilding of the Holy Temple, begun under the protection 
of the Grand Architect of the Universe be completed, and crovi^n our 
enterprise, &c., &c. 

To all our Most Illustrious and Very Valiant Knights and Masonic 
Princes, wheresoever dispersed over the surface of the two hemispheres, 

!a!i£vii>¥ia-siria©!iiLa'ir¥-t?®w[is» 

We, the Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander, Grand Inspectors 
General of the Thirty-third degree. Grand Dignitaries, Grand Officers and 
Members of the Sovereign Grand Consistory of Supreme Chiefs of Exalted 
Masonry for the United States of America, their Territories and Depen- 
dencies, regularly formed by Constitutional Patents, dated on the 28th 
day of the eighth Masonic month, in the year of true light, 5807. 

Do by these presents declare, certify and attest, that being by an 



DOCU]\[ENTS. 209 

extraordinary convocation duly and regularly assembled, the Sovereign 
Grand Commander communicated to us a memorial addressed to our 
Sovereign Grand Consistory and signed by the Very Illustrious Brother 
Richard S. Spoffoi'd, expressing his desire to labor for the advantage and 
increase of our Royal Art in its utmost perfection, and soliciting from us 
a Constitutional Patent^ vesting in him the title and prerogatives of 
Representative of our Sovereign Grand Consistory in and for the State of 
Massachusetts. The Sovereign Grand Consistory, after having deliberated 
upon the said proposition, and considered the advantages which might 
result to the Sublime Order by the establishment of Exalted Masonry in 
that part of the United States, by the propagation under its auspices of 
true Masonic principles, and reforming any abuses which by irregular 
initiations to the Subhme degrees without a due respect to the Statutes 
and General Regulations of the Order, or otherwise may have been intro- 
duced. And placing the utmost confidence in the zeal, integrity and 
Masonic knowledge of our said Illustrious Brother Richard S. SpofFord, 
born in the State of Massachusetts, and there residing, Doctor of Medicine, 
Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, Member of the Sovereign Chapter of 
Princes of Rose Croix, sitting in the valley of New York, under the dis- 
tinctive title of " Triple Alliance,'''' and of our Sovereign Grand Consis- 
tory for the United States of America, have unanimously decreed and do 
decree as follows : 

Firsts That our Illustrious Brother Richard S. Spofford shall be, and 
he is hereby elevated to the Sublime Dignity of Deputy Grand Inspector 
General, and clothed with the power and authority of Representative of 
our Sovereign Grand Consistory in and for the State of Massachusetts. 

Second, That our said Illustrious Brother is hereby clothed with full 
power and authority to elevate seven Masons, already regularly admitted 
to the three first degrees of Symbolic Masonry, whom he shall deem 
worthy by their virtues and their zeal for the Royal Art, to all the 
degrees of Exalted Masonry, from the Fourth degree or Secret Master to 
the Thirty-second degree or Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, both 
inclusive, to the end that he may estaUish in the said State a Grand 
Provincial Committee of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, and in 
doing which he is required to call to his aid all the Sublime Princes of 
the Royal Secret in the vicinity thereof whom he shall know to be regu- 
lar, and to send to our Sovereign Grand Consistory a true account of his 
proceedings in order to obtain a ratification of the same. The Grand 
Provincial Committee thus established and governed by our Illustrious 
Brother Richard S. Spoflford, shall take due care that the General Regu- 



210 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

lations of Exalted Masonry, and particularly those of our Sovereign Grand 
Consistory be strictly and faithfully observed, and shall forthwith solicit 
from our Sovereign Grand Consistory a Capitulary Charter for the estab- 
hshnient of a Sovereign Chapter of Princes Rose «»|«i, and a Constitutional 
Patent for the estabhshment of a Grand Council of Sublime Princes of 
the Royal Secret for the State of Massachusetts. 

Third, That as soon as a Grand Council of Sublime Princes of the 
Royal Secret in and for the State of Massachusetts shall be established, 
the individual and absolute power hereby above-mentioned vested in our 
said Illustrious Brother Richard S. Spofford shall cease and terminate, 
and the same authority and power shall be and is hereby declared to be 
transferred, concentrated and confined to the aforesaid Grand Council for 
the State of Massacliusetts. 

Fourth, That our said Illustrious Brother Richard S. Spofford, in his 
capacity of Representative for our Sovereign Grand Consistory in and for 
the State of Massachusetts shall have the right of inspecting the labors 
of the said Grand Council of the said Sovereign Chapter of Princes of 
Rose »>J«, and of all the bodies of Exalted Masonry which may hereafter 
be established in the Said State of Massachusetts, and with the said right 
is connected the duty of checking and suppressing all innovations and 
irregularities that it may be attempted to introduce therein, and to give 
to our Sovereign Grand Consistory the earliest and fullest information, if 
any such, wherever they occur. 

Fifth, The Sovereign Grand Consistory, desirous of manifesting their 
perfect confidence in the honor and fidelity of the Illustrious Brother Rich- 
ard S. Spofford, and to secure to him all the rights, privileges and preroga- 
tives attached to the Sublime degrees, and to the especial dignity with 
which he is decorated, have delivered to him this Patent, in the margin 
of which he has, ne variatur, signed his name — promising hereby to con- 
firm, acknowledge and approve, whatever he may do hereunder and here- 
by, for the honor, the splendor, and the advancement of our Sublime 
Order. And we do therefore request of all our Most Illustrious and 
very Valiant Knights and Masonic Princes regularly established, to 
acknowledge and respect, and favorably receive our Illustrious Brother 
Richard S. Spofford in the Sublime Dignities with which he is clothed, 
promising the like respect to all those who shall present themselves at 
our Orient invested with like claims and furnished with like authentic 
documents. 

Given by the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third 
degree, Grand Dignitaries, Grand Officers and Members of the Sovereign 



DOCUMENTS. 211 

Grand Consistory for tbe United States of America under our hands, and 
mysterious Seal, and the Grand Seal of the Princes of Masonry in a 
place where the most valuable treasures are deposited, the sight of which 
fills us with consolation, joy and gratitude for all that is great and good, 
at the City of New York, in the State of New York, in the United States 
of America, this 17th day of the fourth Masonic month called Tamuz, in 
the year of true light, 5825, and of the Christian Era, 1825. 
Sigoed, 



Seal. 



Dewitt Clinton, Thirty-third, Sovereign Grand Commander, 
Joseph Cerneau, " Sov,-. G.*. Hon .-. Com .-., ad vitam^ 

Elias Hicks, " Deputy Grand Commander, , 

John W. Mulligan, " Fast " Commander, 

Martin Hoffman, " 111 .'. Minister of State, 

Jonathan Schieffelin, " 1st Lieut. Grand Commander, 

Francis Dubuar, " 2d 

Oliver M. Lownds, Thirty-second, Illustrious Grand Secretary, 

Mariano Yelasquez De La Cadena, Thirty-second, Grand Secretary 

Foreign Department, 
Thomas Lownds, Thirty-third, Grand Keeper of the Seals, 
John Telfair, " Grand Chancellor, 

G. Morgan, " 1st Grand Master of Ceremonies, 

Augustus F. Cerneau, Thirty -second, 2d " " " " 

W. T. Hunter, Thirty-third, Grand Introductor, 

George Scriba, jun., " 2d Gr .*. Ex .'. Introductor, 

Alexander S. Glass, " Grand Treasurer General, 

Hampton Dunham, Thirty-second, Grand Hospitalier, 
Henry Marsh, " Grand Captain of the Guards. 



) Seal. V 



Skal. 



212 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



3300'oiM:^3KrT' i?»a"o. s@. 



PA TEJTT DELIVERED TO 
DAVID JEWETT, 

ON THE 

THIRD OF NOYEMBER, 1826. 

BY THE SOVEREIGN GRAND CONSISTORY 

OF NEW YORK, 

Giving him full power to establish a Council of Sovereign Princes of the 
Royal Secret, &c., in and for the Brazilian Empire. 



Ordo ub €hao. 

At the Orient of the Most Potent Sovereign Grand Consistory of Su- 
preme Chiefs of Exalted Masonry, according to the Ancient and Accepted 
Scottish Rite of Heredom, for the United States of America, their Terri- 
tories and Dependencies, regularly constituted under the Celestial Canopy, 
near the B .'. B .•., under the central point answering to 40 deg., 41 min., 
North Latitude. 

May the rebuilding of the Holy Temple, begun under the protection of 
the Grand Architect of the Universe, be completed, and crown our enter- 
prises, &c., &c. 

To all our most Illustrious, very Valiant Knights and Masonic Princes, 
of all the degrees wheresoever dispersed over the surface of the two hem- 
ispheres, 

We, the Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander, Grand Inspectors 
General of the Thirty-third degree, Grand Officers, Grand Dignitaries, and 
Members of the Sovereign Grand Consistory of Supreme Chiefs of 
Exalted Masonry, for the United States of America, their Territories and 
Dependencies, regularly formed by Constitutional Patents, dated on the 
28th day of the 8th Masonic month, in the year of true light, 5807, 



DOCUMENTS. 213 

Do by these presents declare, certify and attest, that being by an ex- 
traordinary convocation duly and regularly assembled, the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory communicated to us a memorial addressed to our 
Sovereign Grand Consistory, and signed by the Very Illustrious Brother 
David Jeioett, expressing his desire to labor for the advantage and increase 
of our Royal Art in the utmost perfection, and soliciting from us a Con- 
stitutional Patent, vesting in him the title and prerogatives of Represen- 
tative of our Sovereign Grand Consistory in and for the Brazilian Em- 
pire. The Sovereign Grand Consistory, after having deliberated upon 
the said proposition, and considered the advantages which might result to 
the Sublime Order by the establishment of Exalted Masonry in that part 
of the world, by the propagation, under its auspices, of true Masonic 
principles, and reforming any abuses which by irregular initiations to the 
Sublime degrees, without a due respect to the Statutes and General Regu- 
lations of the Sublime Order, or otherwise may have been introduced. 
And placing the utmost confidence in the zeal, integrity and Masonic 
knowledge of our said Illustrious Brother David Jewetl, born in New 
London, State of Connecticut, aged 52 years, General of the Armada of 
the Empire of Brazil, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, Member of the 
Sovereign Chapter of Prince of the Rose *f«, sitting in the valley of New 
York, under the distinctive title of "Triple Alwance," and of our 
Sovereign Grand Consistory for the United States of America, having 
unanimously decreed, and do decree as follows : 

First, That our said Illustrious Brother David Jewett shall be, and is 
hereby elevated to the Sublime Dignity of Deputy Grand Inspector Gen- 
eral, and clothed with the power and authority of Representative of our 
Sovereign Grand Consistory in and for the Brazilian Empire. 

Second, That our said Illustrious Brother is hereby clothed with full 
power and authority to elevate seven Masons, already admitted to the 
three first degrees of Symbolic Masonry, whom he shall deem worthy of 
their virtues and their zeal for the Royal Art, to all the degrees of 
Exalted Masonry from the Fourth degree or Secret Master, to the Thirty- 
second degree, or Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, both inclusive, to the 
end that he may establish in said Em})ire, a Grand Provincial Committee 
of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, and in doing wliich lie is required 
to call to his aid, all the Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret in the 
vicinity thereof, whom he shall know to be regular, and to send our 
Sovereign Grand Consistory a true account of his proceedings, in order to 
obtain a ratification of the same. 

The Grand Provincial Committee thus established and governed by 



214 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

our Illustrious Brother David Jewett, shall take due care that the General 
Regulations of Exalted Masonry, and particularly those of our Sovereign 
Grand Consistory, be strictly and faithfully observed, and shall solicit from 
our Sovereign Grand Consistory a Capitular Charter for the establishment 
of a Sovereign Chapter of Princes of Rose *^, and a Constitutional 
Patent for the establishment of a Grand Council of Sublime Princes of 
the Royal Secret for the Brazilian Emjnre. 

Third, That as soon as a Grand Council of Sublime Princes of the 
Royal Secret shall be so established in and for the Empire of Brazil, the 
individual and absolute power hereby above mentioned, to be vested in 
our Illustrious Brother David Jewett, shall cease and terminate, and the 
same authority shall be, and is hereby declared, to be transferred, con- 
centrated and confined to the aforesaid Grand Council of Sublime Princes 
of the Royal Secret. 

Fourth, That our said Illustrious Brother David Jeivett, in his capacity 
of Representative of our Sovereign Grand Consistory in and for the Bra- 
zilian Empire, shall have the right of inspecting the labors of the said 
Grand Council, of the said Sovereign Chapter of Princes of Rose »^fa, and 
of all other bodies of Exalted Masonry w^hich may hereafter be establish- 
ed in the said Empire and with the said right is connected, the duty of 
checking and suppressing all innovations and irregularities that may be 
attempted to introduce therein, and to give our Sovereign Grand Consis- 
tory the earliest and fullest information of any such, wherever they 
occur. 

Fifth, The Sovereign Grand Consistory, desirous of manifesting their 
perfect confidence in the honor and integrity of the Illustrious Brother 
David Jewett, and to secure to him all the rights, privileges and preroga- 
tives attached to the Sublime degrees, and to the especial dignity with 
which he is decorated, have delivered to him this Patent, in the margin 
of which he has, ne variatur, signed his name — promising hereby to con- 
firm, acknowledge and approve whatever he may do hereunder and here- 
by for the honor and splendor, and advancement of our Subhrae Order. 

And we therefore request of all our Most Illustrious, very Valiant 
Knights, and Masonic Princes regularly constituted, to acknowledge, 
respect, and favorably receive our Illustrious Brother David Jewett, in 
the Sublime Dignities with which he is clothed, promising the like 
respect to all those who shall present themselves at our Orient, invested 
with like claims, and furnished with like authentic documents. 

Given by the Sovereign Grand Commander, Grand Inspectors General 
of the Thirty-third degree. Grand Dignitaries, Grand Officers and Mem- 



i 



DOCUMENTS. 



215 



bers of the Sovereign Grand Consistory for the United States of America 
under our hands and mysterious Seal, and the Grand Seal of the Princes 
of Masonry, in a place where the most valuable treasures are deposited, 
the sight of which fills us with consolation, joy and gratitude, for all that 
is great and good. 

At the city of New York, in the State of New York, in the United - 
States of America, this the 4th day of the 9th Masonic month, called 
Kisleu, in the year of true light, 5826, and of the Christian Era, 1826. 



Joseph Cerneau, 

Sov .*. Gr .*. Hon .•. Com .'. ad vitam. 

Thirty-third degree. 

Dewitt Clinton, 

Sov .'. Grand Commander, 

Thirty-third degree. 

Jonathan Schieffelin, 

1st Lieut. Grand Commander, 

Thirty-third degree. 

Martin Hoffman, 

1st Minister of State, 

Thirty-third degree, 

Oliver M. Lownds, 

2d Minister of State, 

Thirty-third degree. 

Augustus F. Cerneau, 

2d Grand Master of Ceremonies, 

Thirtv-second dea:ree. 



John W. Mulligan, 

Past Grand Commander, 

Thirty -third degree. 

Elias Hicks, 

Deputy Grand Commander, 

Thirty-third degree. 

Francis Dubuar, 

2d Lieut. Grand Commander, 

Thirty-third degree. 

George Smith, 

Grand Hospitaller, 

Thirty-third degree. 

Alexander S. Glass, 

Grand Treasurer General, 

Thirty-third degree. 

Louis Timolat, 

2d Grand Expert, 

Thirty-third degree. 



Bi/ Order, 

Mariano Velasquez De La Cadena, 
Grand Chancellor, 
Thirty third degree. 
Sealed by 

Harm AN Westervelt, 

Grand Keeper of the Seals. 



i Gr 



Seal | 

and Council. { 



Seal 
Consistorv 




216 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Endorsed in Brazil in 1835, Exequator, 

Jose Paulo De Santor Boaveto, Thirty-third, Grand Master. 

Episanio Jose Pedrozo, Thirtieth, 1st " Vig.*. 
Christiano Benedicto Ottoni, Eighteenth, " Treasurer. 

Paultn Jose SoAVES De SouzA, Eighteenth, 2d " Vig.*. 
Antonio Souza Araryo, Eighteenth, " Secretary. 



Ad Universi Terrarum^ Orhis Summi Architecti Gloriam. 

OF THE 

effecth^e members, absent and honorary 
members, &c., &c. 

OF THE 

TJIITED SUPREME COUICIL 

FOR THE 

WESTERN HEMISPHERE, 



OF 
OF TPIE ORDER 

33ir JDejr^e of tl)c ^Incimt anir ^aepteb ScottisI) Kite, 
SUPREME CHIEFS, PRESERVERS, AND TRUE PROTECTORS 

F 

SUBLIME AND EXALTED MASONRY, 

i^ND OF 

PRINCES OF THE ROYAL SECRET, OIGHTS, AND SUBLIME AND 

PERFECT MASOxXS, 

COMPOSING ITS SUBORDINATE SECTIONS, 

LAWFULLY ESTABLISHED 

AND 

SITTING AT THE GRAND ORIENT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK 
IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

ALSO OF THE 

CONSTITUTED BODIES OF ITS UNITED JURISDICTIONS, 

ON THE 16th DAY OF THE MOON KISLEU, 
•IJTJrO JL UCISy 5832. 



©rCrnt of ^cU) 3^ork; 

5832. 
ELLIOTT & HEGEMAN, PRINTERS. 



218 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL 

OF THE 

Sotetigtt iraiib |itsgerfors §erad 

OF THE 

WESTERN HEMISPHERE. 



Grand Dignitaries^ Grand Offi^cers^ and Grand Inspectors General^ 
The Most Illustrious Brothers, 

Eli AS Hicks, Esq., Past Master, Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General, Thirty-third degree ; Ex 
Grand Commander, ad vitatn, of the former 
Supreme Council of the United States of 
America, &c., New York City. 

Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander, {ad vitam) 

De St. Laurent, (Marquis de Santa Rosa and 
Count) Past Master, Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General, Thirty-third degree ; Ex Grand Com- 
mander, ad vitam, of the former Supreme Coun- 
cil of South America, New Spain, &c., &c., at 
present at New York. 

3fost Potent Sovereign Assistant Grand Comwia7ider, (ad vitam.) 

Jonathan Schieffelin, Esq., Past Master, Sove- 
reign Grand Inspector General, Thirty-third de- 
gree, New York City. 

Francis Dubuar, Esq., Past Master, Sovereign 

Grand Inspector General, Thirty-third degree, New York City. 

Most Illustrious 1st and 2d Lieutenants Grand Commanders. 

Lorenzo De Zavala, Ex Governor of Mexico, and 
Ex Secretary of the Treasury of the Mexican 
United States, Past Master, Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General, Thirty-third degree, at present 
in Vera Cruz. 

Most Illustrious Minister of State of the H. E. 
George Smith, Esq., Past Master, Sovereign Grand 

Inspector General, Thirty-third degree, Newark, N. J. 

Most lllnsfrlous Grand Secretary for the English language and 
Chancel lor for the H. E. 



DOCUMENTS. 219 

Mariano Velazquez De La Cadena, Professor 
in Columbia College, Past Master, Sovereign 
Grand Inspector General, Thirty4hird degree. New York City. 
Most Illustrious 2d GraTid Secretary for the Spanish and 
Foreign languages. 

Joseph Bouchaud, Merchant, Past Master, Sove- 
reign Grand Inspector General, Thirty -third de- 
gree, New York. 
Most Illustrious Grand Treasurer Geyieral of the H, E, 

(* . * — _) 

Illustrious Assistant Grand Treasurer General. 

Mariano Velazquez De La Cadena, ut supra, New York. 
Most Illustrious Grand Archivist of the H. E. 

John Telfair, Esq., Past Master, Sovereign Grand 

Inspector General, Thirty-third degree. New York. 

Most Illustrious Grand Keeper of the Seals. 

Orazio De Attelis, (Marquis De Santangelo,) 
formerly Superior Officer in the Neapolitan 
Army, Past Master, Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General, Thirty-third degree. New York. 

Most Illustrious Grand Expert. 

Marquis De Santangelo, ut supra, New York. 

Most Illustrious Grand Master of Ceremonies. 

Juan Melaxi, (Chevalier De Sussarelli,) Ancient 
Officer of the Guards of the King of Sardinia ; 
Past Master, Sovereign Grand Inspector Gene- 
ral> Thirty-third degree, now of New York. 

Most Illustrious Grand Captain of the Guards. 

/* % ^\ 

Most Illustrious Grand Sioord Bearer. 
Lucas Ugarte, formerly Fiscal of the Royal 
Treasury in Havana, &c., Past Master, Sove- 
reign Grand Inspector General, Thirty-third de- 
gree, now in Central America. 
Most Illustrious Grand Standard Bearer, 
Most Illustrious Grand Hospitalier and 
Illustrio^Ls Deputy Grand Master of Ceremonies — vacant. 



220 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Effiective Members, 
The Most Illustrious Brothers, 
TouissANT MiDY, Esq., P.-. M.-., S/. G .-. I /. 

G .-., 33(1 deg., New York. 

Jacob ScHiEFFELiN, Esq., P.*. M.*., S.*. G .*. I.*. 

G .-., 33d deg., New York. 

Oliver M. Lownds, Esq., Police Magistrate of the 

City of New York, 

P.-. M.-., S.-. I.-. G.-. 

33d deg.. New York. 

Elisha W. King, Esq., Attorney and Counsellor 

at Law, P.-. M.-., S.-. 

G.-. I.-. G.-., 33d 

deg., New York. 

Harman Westervelt, Attorney at Law and 

Notary Public, P.*. 

M.-., S.-. G.-. I.-. 

G.-., 33d deg.. New York. 

Aaron H. Palmer, Esq., Attorney at Law, P .*. 

M.-., S.-. G.-. I.-. 
G.'., 33d deg., New York. 

James Herring, Esq., Portrait painter, Grand 

Secretary of the Grand 
Lodge of the State of 
New York; P.-. M .-., 
S.-. G.-. I.-. G.-., 
33d deg.. New York. 

John W. Mitchell, Esq., Attorney at Law and 

Counsellor, P .*. M .*., 
S.-. G.-. I.-. G.-., 
33d deg.. New York, 

Thomas Longworth, Esq., Editor New York Direc- 
tory, &c.. P.*. M.-. 
S.-. G.-. I.-. G.-., 
33d deg.. New York. 

Aaron R. Thompson, Esq., Merchant, P .*. M .-., 

S.'. G.-. I.-. G.-., 
33d deg., New York. 



DOCUMENTS. 221 

John R. Bailey, Esq., Deputy Post Master, P .*. 

M.-., S/. G.: I.-. 

G.-., 33d deg.. New York. 

Alp. Delaflechelle, Chancellor of the French 

Consul General ; P .*. 

M.-., S.-. G.-. I.-. 

G .-., 33d deg., New York. 

Miguel Cabrera De Nevares, Ex Governor of 

several provinces in 

Spain ; Professor of 

Spanish literature in 

University, New York, 

P.-. M.-., S.-. G/. 

I .-. G .-., 33d deg., ^ New York. 
Joseph Michard, Late an advocate in 

France, Professor of 

the French language ; 

P.-. M.-., S.-. G.-. 

I .-. G .-., 33d deg.. New York. 



Honorary Grand Dignitaries. 
The Most Illustrious Brothers, 

His Excellency, John Peter Boyer, President of 
the Republic of Hayti, Sovereign Grand Inspec- 
tor General, Thirty-third degree ; Grand Protec- 
tor of the Order in Hayti. 

Lafayette, (Gilbert Mottier, Marquis De) 
Lieut. General, and Member of the Legislature 
in France, &c., Past Master, Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General, Thirty-third degree ; Grand 
Mepresentative of the United Supreme Council 
of the Western Hemisphere^ near the Supreme 
Council of France. Paris. 

Henry Dupont Franklin, Counsellor at Law, 
Past Master, Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 
Thirty-third degree ; Honorary 2d Lieutenant 
Grand Commander of the United Supreme 
Council, and its Grand Representative in Hayti 
and vicinity^ Port au Prince. 



222 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Honorary Members. 
The Most Illustrious Brothers, 

P. M. De A ^- * * P .-. M .'., S .-. G .-. I .-. 

G .'., 33d deg., in Spain. 

A. De A '^^ * ^ ^ P.-. M.-., S.-. G.-. I/. G.-., 

33d deg., in Spain. 

Lefebvre De Aumale, P .*. M .*., S .-. G .-. I .*. 

G .*., 38d deg. ; Grand Officer in Grand Orient 

of France, Paris. 

Francisco Avendano, P.*. M .'., S.*. G.\ I.*. 

G .'., 33d deg. ; Colonel in Colombian Army, Bogota. 
Thomas W. Bacot, Esq., P .*. M ,-., S .'. G .'. I .-. 

G .-., 33d deg., Charleston, S. C. 

C. T. B * ^^ ^ ^^ * P.-. M.-., S.-. G.% I.-. 

G.-., 33d deg.; Naturalist and M. D., Tuscany. 

T. M. C ^' * * * * * P.-. M.-., S.-. G.-. I.-. 

G .-., 33d deg., Porto Rico. 

Jose ,M. Del Castillo, P.*. M.-., S .-. G .-. l.\ 
G .*., 33d deg.. Ex Secretary of State of Repub- 
lic of Colombia, Bogota. 

Andres Cavallero, Esq., P.", M .*., S .*. G .*. I .*. 

G .-., 33d deg., Venezuela. 

Diego Cavallero, Esq., P .*. M .*., S .*. G .*. I .-. 

G.*., 33d deg., Venezuela. 

John S. Cogdell, Esq., P .'. M .-., S .*. G.*. I.-. 

G .-., 33d deg., Charleston, S. C. 

Carlos Cornejo, Esq., P .*. M .*., S .*. G .'. I .-., 

G .-., 33d deg., Colombia. 

Antoine Decour, P .*. M .*., S .*. G •.. I .*. G .*., 
33d deg., 1st Clerk in the Civil Tribunal at Aux 
Cayes, Hayti Aux Cayes. 

J. D. Daniels, P .-. M .-., S .-. G .-. I .*. G/., 33d 

deg.. Commodore Colombian Navy, Columbia. 

Peter Desportes, Esq., P .'. M .-., S .*. G .*. I .*. 

G .-., 33d deg., Charleston, S. C. 

Seth Driggs, Esq., P .-. M .-., S .'. G .*. I .'. G .-., 

33d deg., New York. 



DOCUMENTS. 223 

Peter Duler, Esq., P .'. M /., S .-. G /. I /. G /., 

33d deg., Philadelphia. 

Jacques Dcmaine, P.'. M.'., S.'. G.*. I,*. G.*., 
32d deg., x\ncient Commissary General and Or- 
derer in chief in St. Domingo, Paris. 

JUAK ESCALONA, P.*. M .'., S .'. G .*. I.*. G .*., 

33d deg., General in the Colombian Army, Colombia. 

Felipe Estevas, P/. M .-., S .-. G.-. I.-. G .'., 

33d deg., General in the Colombian Army, Colombia. 

Emanuel Gigaud, Esq., P.*. M .'., S .'. G .'. I.'. 

G.-., 33d deg., New Orleans. 

P. A. G * * * * * % P.-. M.-., S.-. G.-. I.-. 

G .'., 33d deg., New Orleans. 

Jose A, Gonelle, Esq., P.*. M .'., S .*. G.'. I.*. 

G .-., 33d deg., New Orleans. 

Joseph Gouin, Esq., P .*. M ."., S .'. G .*. I .'. 
. G .-., 33d deg., France. 

Pedro GuAL, P.-. M .♦., S .'. G .-. I.'. G .'., 33d 
deg ; Ex Secretary of War, Republic of Colom- 
bia, Colombia. 

J. J. GUEDRON, P.-. M.-., S.-. G.-. I.-. G.-., 

33d deo-., Colombia. 

T. F. HuRTEL, Esq., P.-. M .-., S.'. G.-. I.-. 

G.-., 33d deg., Philadelphia. 

Peter Jauvaix, Esq., P.*. M .-., S.'. G.*. I.*. 

G .-., 33d deg., Charleston, S. C. 

A. 0. De L * * * * * P.-. M .-., S.'. G .-. I .-. 

G.-., 33d deg., Spain. 

N. D. Lafargue, p.*. M.-., S.-. G.-. I.-. G.-., 

33d deg. ; Director, of the Customs at Aux 

Cayes, in Hayti, Aux Cayes. 

George Washington De Lafayette, (Count,) 

P.-. M.'., S.'. G.-. I.-. G .'., 33d deg., Paris. 

P.Laurens, Esq., P.'. M .'., S .'. G .-. I.'. G.-., 

33d deg., Charleston, S. C. 

AiN Mia M * * * * P.'. M .-., S.-. G .'. I.-. 

G .-., 33d deg., Porto Rico. 



224 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Pedro B. Mendes, Esq., P .-. M .'., S .*. G /. I.'. 

G .-., 33d deg., Porto Rico. 

Saul De Michelli, Esq., P .-. M .*., S /. G /. I /. 

G .-., 33d deg., Porto Rico. 

G. M. Morales, Esq., P.-. M .'., S.'. G.'. I.-. 

G .-., 33d deg., Porto Rico. 

Teo, Das, De * * * * * &c., &c.. P.*. M.'., 

S.-. G.-. I.-. G.-., 33d deg., Spain. 

P. G. De * * * * * * &c., P .-. M .-., S .-. 

G.-. I.-. G.-., 33d deg., Spain. 

Jose A. Paes, P .-. M .-., S .-. G.-. I .-. G .-., 33d 

deg.; President and General of the Republic of 

Venezuela, Caraccas. 

Ildefonso De Paredes, P .'. M .•., S .*. G .'. I /. 

G .*., 33d deg. ; Colonel of Cavalry, Quito. 

Jose L. Pelgron, P .-. M .-. S .-. G .-. I .-. G .-., 

33d deg., Quito. 

- Joel R. Poinsett, P .-. M .'., S :. G .*. I .*. G .'., 

33d deg. ; Ex Ambassador of the United States 

to Mexico, Charleston. 

J. F. Roger, (Baron,) P.-. M .-., S .'. G.-. I.-. 

G .'., 33d deg. ; Ex Governor of Senegambia ; 

Member of the Legislature of France, Paris. 

Feo. De Paula Santander, P.". M."., S.*. G.'. 

I.'. G.-., 33d deg.; General and President of 

the Republic of Nev7 Granada, Bogota. 

John P. Schisano, Esq., P.*. M .-., S.'. G.'. I.'. 

G.-., 33d deg., Norfolk, Va. 

Daret Sen AC, M. D., P.'. M .♦., S .-. G .-. I .-. G .-., 

33d deg., Norfolk, Va. 

Carlos SouBLETTE, P.*. M.*., S.*. G .*. I.-. G.*., 

33d deg. ; General and Ex Secretary of War, 

Republic of Colombia, Bogota. 

Richard S. Spofford, M. D., P.-. M.-., S.-. G .'. 

I.-. G .'., 33d deg., Newburyport. 

Charles S. Tucker, Esq., P .'. M .*., S .'. I.-. G.-., 

33d deg., Charleston, S. C. 



225 DOCUMENTS. 

Diego Urbaneja, P.. M/,, S .'. G /. I/. G.*., 

33d deg. ; Ex Chief Justice of the Republic of 
Colombia, Bogota. 

M. De G. y V * * * &c., P .-. M.'., S/. G.\ 

I.". G.'., 33d deg., Spain. 

Rafael Urdaneta, P.*. M.'., S .•. G .*. I.'. G .•., 

33d deg. : General in Colombian Army, Bogota. 

^ote. — In conformity with the Eighteenth Article of the Constitution 
of the United Supreme Council, each effective member thereof is also an 
active member in all its subordinate sections, and its honorary members 
are likewise honorary members in the same sections. 



SUBLIME PRINCES 

OF THE 

ROYAL SECRET, 3^. DEGREE. 

ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE SECOND AND FIRST SECTIONS. 



First, The preceding Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, Members 
of the United Supreme Council. 

Second, Every Prince of the Royal Secret, who was a member of the 
Ex Grand Consistory for the United States of America, on the 28th of 
November, 5827, the date of its dissolution, upon signifying his submis- 
sion to the United Supreme Council, engaging to conform to the stipula- 
tions of the Treaty of Union, and receiving the assent of the Council 
thereunto. 

Third, Every Prince of the Royal Secret who was a member of the 
former Supreme Council of South America, &c., and who now resides, or 
may in future reside, in the city of New York or its vicinity, upon sig- 
nifying his willingness to conform, and subscribing to the terms of the 
treaty, and receiving the assent of the Council thereunto. 



Honorary Members of the same Section, 
The Most Illustrious Brothers, 

P. A * * * * &c., P .-. R .-. S .-., 32d deg., Canary Islands. 

A. A * * * * &c., P.-. R.-. S.-., 32d deg., Canary Islands. 



226 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

i'lKiiKK Emilie Berryer, Merchant in the Island 

of Hayti; P/. R/. S /., 32d deg. ; Deputy 

Grand Inspector General, and Representative of 

Supreme Council in south part of the island, Aux Cayes. 

i T. R. C * * * * * &c., P.-. R.-. S.-., 32d 

deg., Ponce, in Porto Rico. 

R. Z. Y. C * * * * * &c., P.-. R.-. S.-., 32d 

deg.. Ponce, in Porto Rico. 

Felix Doutre, Director of Mint ; P .*. R .*. S .*., 

32 d deg., in Hayti, Port au Prince. 

Francois Louis Goupilleau, P .'. R .*. S .*., 32d 

deg., Interpreter, Nantes. 

R. G * * * * * &c.. Merchant, P.'. R.-. S .'., 

32d deg., Canary Islands. 

H. J. A. Hadfeg, Planter, P.-. R .-. S .-., 32d 

deg., at St. Y. de C. 

Aug. Ma. M * * ^- * &c.. P.*. R.-. S .-., 32d 

deg., at St. J. de P. R. 

In. De M ^- * * * * P.'. R.-. S.'., 32d deg., Canary Islands. 
Wm. Phipps, Merchant, P .'. R .'. S .'., 32 deg., Aux Cayes. 
Pierre Jean Francois Sausset, P.*. R .*. S.'., 

32 deg. : Collector of direct duties, Brest. 

Julien Clement Soret, P.*. R.\ S.'., 32d deg, ; 

Ancient Merchant, Nantes. 

D. De C * * ^ * * &c., P.-. R.-. S.-., 32d 

deg., Canary Islands. 

Every member of this section is also a member of the first section, 
whether active or honorary, under the same circumstances as above. 



DOCUSIENTS. 227 

FUNERAL COLUMN 

OF THE 



S'usi §xm\'h '§xpnhxh$. 



The Most 111 .'. Bro /. The deceased Count De Galves, (Bernado) late 
Viceroy of Mexico, Grandee of Spain, Founder 
and Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander of 
the former Supreme Council, 33d deg., New 
Spain, (fee. 

" " " " The deceased Baron De Norona, (Jose Maria,) 
late Lieut. 'General of the armies of her 
Catholic Majesty, &c., Founder and Grand 
Commander of the former Supreme Council 
of South America, &c. 

« « " " The deceased Count De Santa Rosa (A. De 
Joachim,) late ]\Iajor of Cavalry in the array 
of his Catholic Majesty, &c., Founder and 1st 
Lieut. Grand Commander, &e. 

" " " " The deceased Don Francisco De Saavedra, 
late Intendent General of Venezuela, and 1st 
Lieut. Grand Commander, &c. 

** " " " The deceased Dewitt Clinton, late Governor 
of the State of New York, Past Grand Master 
of the Grand Lodge of the same, and Grand 
Commander of the former Supreme Council 
of the United States of America, &c., (fee. 



It is not deemed necessary to publish the remaining part, containing a 
list of all the subordinate bodies. It will suffice to say that all the 
bodies, of whatever kind or degree, deriving either from the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory which terminated its existence in the year 1827, and 
all those deriving from the Supreme Grand Council of New Spain, South 
America, <fec., are considered as subject to this body, which is a continua- 
tion of the old one. 



mai 



228 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

i>ocxj3M:Eir^T isio. ao. 

FIRST PART. 



TREATY 

OF 

Uninn an& Imalgamotinti 

BETWEEN 

The Most Illustrious Brother Elias Hicks, Potent Sovereign Grand 
Inspector General of the Thirty-third degree — Most Potent Sovereign 
Grand Commander, {ad vitam) and the Supreme Council of the Most 
Potent Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third and last 
degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Sublime Chiefs of 
Exalted Masonry for the United States of America, their Territories and 
Dependencies, &c., &c,, sitting at the Orient of the world, under the 
Celestial Canopy, at the central point of the Zenith, corresponding to the 
40th deg., 41 min. North Latitude, and 3d deg., 1 min., 13 sec. East 
Longitude from Washington, duly and lawfully represented by 

The Most III.', and P.\ Bro .*. Jonathan Schieffelin, P /. Sov .*. 
G .'. Ins .*. Gen .'. of the Thirty-third degree, 1st Lieut. Grand Commander ; 
The Most III.'. Bro .*. Okazio De Attelis, Marquis De St. Angelo, P.*. 
S .*. G .'. Ins .'. Gen .*. of the Thirty-third degree ; The Most 111 .'. Bro .*. 
George Smith, P.*. Sov.'. Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third 
degree, and Grand Secretary of the H. E. 

All three members of the aforesaid Supreme Council, invested with 
their regular and full powers. 

Of the One Part. 

And the Most 111 ,'. Bro ,'. M. A. N. A. R. De Jachim De Santa 
Rosa De R. De St. Laurent, (Marquis De Santa Rosa, Count De St. 
Laurent, <fec., &c.,) P .'. Sov .•. Gr .'. Ins .'. Gen .'. of the Thirty-third de- 
gree ; M .'. P ,'. Sov .'. Gr .'. Com .•. [ad vitam) of the Supreme Council 
of the P .'. Sov .*. Gr .*. Ins .'. Gen .'. of the Thirty-third degree, of the 
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Sublime Chiefs of Ancient and 
Modern Free Masonry, for Terra Firma, South America, or New Spain, 
&c., (fee, (from one sea to the other, &c., &c.,) the Canary Islands, Porto 
Rico, &c., Founder of the Most Respectable Lodge of the " Commanders 



1 



DOCUMENTS. 229 

Du Mont Thabor " at the Orient of Paris, Honorary Member of the 
Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree for France, &c., &c., duly 
invested with the whole powers and authority of his Supreme Council 
and their subordinate sections, (fee, &c., heretofore sitting at the central 
point of the 9th deg., 40 min.. North Latitude, and 312th deg., 40 min. 
Longitude from Ferro Islands, duly and lawfully represented by 

The Most 111.'. Bro .'. Lorenzo De Zavala, P.*. Sov.*. Gr.*. Ins.*. 
Gen .-. of the Thirty-third degree ; The Most 111 .*. Bro .*. Lucas Ugarte, 
P.*. Sov.'. Gr .•. Ins .". G .*. of the Thirty third degree ; and The Most 
111 .". Bro .'. John Melani, Chevalier de Sussarelli, P .'. Sov .*. Gr .*. 
Ins .'. Gen .*. of the Thirty-third degree, and Grand Chancellor [ad hoc) 
of the H. E. 

All three members of the Supreme Council aforesaid, invested with 
their full and regular powers. 

OF THE OTHER PART. 



To all Masons who shall behold these presents — - 

Considering that two or more Sovereign Masonic bodies of the same 
rite, may voluntarily unite and amalgamate themselves in one single 
dogmatic and administrative body, whatever may be ihe limits of their 
respective territorial jurisdictions, without violating the Secret Grand 
Constitutions, Institutes, or General Statutes of our Order, or the doctrines 
or integrity of our rite, which is essentially tolerant, free and independent. 

Considering that the total extinction of the Ancient Supreme Council 
for Mexico, or New Spain, &c., &c., and the actual dispersion of the mem- 
bers of the Supreme Council for Terra Firraa, South America, &c., (from 
one sea to the other) the Canary Islands, Porto Rico, &c., &c., have de- 
prived the greater part of the Western Hemisphere of all the invaluable 
benefits that result from the Ancient and Accepted regular Masonic 
Worship. 

Considering that it is the duty of every dogmatic and administrative 
power in general, and of every true Scottish Free and Accepted Mason 
in particular, to work indefatigably for the propagation of an Order, whose 
object is to spread useful knowledge, to extend the perfection of morahty, 
the exercise of all social, domestic and individual virtues, and consequent- 
ly the utmost possible happiness of mankind in general, and of men in 
particular. 

Considering that it is urgent to prevent throughout all and every quar- 



230 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

ter of the world, and most particularly in the Western Hemisphere, in as 
far as it was practicable, any fetal schism, any illegitimate and dangerous 
establishment of Pseudo Masonic bodies, the offspring of corruption, 
venality, and base ambition, and above all, any arbitrary and irregular 
concession of Masonic degrees by wandering impostors, to individuals un- 
worthy of ever being a part of any honest and moral association. 

Considering in fine, that by this union and amalgamation, made of the 
two largest Masonic powers in the New World, unity and stability of the 
order will be firmly consolidated, and the Sublime and pure Scottish 
Ancient and Accepted Rite will more securely preserve its independence, 
the tolerance and purity of its dogma, together with its consistency and 
dignity. 

We have agreed and decreed, and do hereby agree and decree, 
as follows : 

Article First. 

The Supreme Council of the Potent Sovereign Grand Inspectors Gene- 
ral, Thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish 
Rite, Sublime Chiefs of Ancient and Modern Free Masonry, for Terra 
Firma, South America, Mexico or New Spain, &c., &c., (from one sea to 
the other) Porto Rico, the Canary Islands, &c., &c. And the Supreme 
Council of the Potent Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, Thirty-third 
and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Sublime 
Chiefs of Exalted Masonry for the United States of America, their Terri- 
tories and Dependencies — are hereby forever united and amalgamated 
into one individual dogmatic and administrative body, each one being an 
essential part of the other. 

Article Second. 

The two united and amalgamated powers shall hereafter be designated 
by the distinctive title of " United Supreme Council for the Western 
Hemisphere^ of the Poterd Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, Thirty- 
third and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Mite, Suh- 
lime Chiefs of Exalted Masonry.'''' 

Their seat is invariably in the United States of America, at the central 
point of the 40th deg., 41 min.. North Latitude, and 3d deg., 1 min., 
13 sec, East Longitude from Washington. 

In any case of emergency that may present itself, this central point 
may be changed by a decree of all their united sections, but it shall never 
be removed from out of the territorial limits of the United States of 
America. * 



DOCUMENTS. 231 

Article Third. 
In consequense of tlie union and complete amalgamation of the two 
powers, all Lodges, Chapters, Colleges, Areopaguses, Councils, Consistories, 
&c., &c., (fee, professing the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and 
that have hitherto received their Patents, Charters, Constitutions, tfec, 
from either of the two united powers, either within the former limits of 
their respective territorial jurisdictions, or of that of each other, are all 
hereby equally and indiscriminately recognized and proclaimed, lawful 
and regular, and will therefore receive new Patents, Charters or Constitu- 
tions from the United Supreme Council of the Western Hemisphere, pro- 
vided they shall regularly transmit to it, the lists of their respective Dig- 
nitaries, Officers and Members, whether present or absent, honorary or 
titulary, accompanied by an authentic copy of their Constitution, Patent, 
Charter and By-Laws, and likewise submit to the taking of a new oath to 
this power, and appoint and delegate representatives near it, duly invested 
with competent degrees and titles. 

Article Fourth. 

All Free Masons of both the Americas, Porto Rico, the Canary 
Islands, (fee, professing the same Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, 
and v/ho may have hitherto received their Diplomas, Certificates, or 
Patents from any Masonic body established at any point whatever within 
the former jurisdiction of one or other of the heretofore separate powers, 
but not constituted or authorized by either of them, are to be considered 
as regular Masons, from and after the moment when they shall duly take 
the oath to submit to the authority and rules of the two united powers, 
and shall then receive new Diplomas, Certificates or Patents, correspond- 
ing with their respective degrees. 

Those also are to be considered as Regular Masons of the Ancient and 
Accepted vScottish Rite, throughout the whole extent of the jurisdiction 
of the United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere, &c., (fee, 
who exclusively derived, or who may hereafter derive, their Diplomas, 
Certificates or Patents, from any regular Masonic body of the same rite, 
which shall have duly recognized its dogmatic, and administrative power 
and independence. 

Article Fifth. 

From the moment of the sanction and ratification of the present treaty 
on the part of the tv/o contracting powers, the Most Illustrious and Potent 
Sovereign Grand Commander (ad vitam) of the Supreme Council for 
Terra Firma, South America, Mexico or New Spain, the Canary Islands, 



232 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Porto Rico, (fee, Brother Count De St. Laurent, will, and does hereby, 
tbrinally and solemnly abdicate, for himself and his successors, his afore- 
said most high dignity and all the particular powers and authority in- 
vested in his person as such, in favor of the M .'. Ill .'. Bro .'. Elias 
Hicks, Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander {ad vitam) of the 
Supreme Council for the United States of America, their Territories and 
Dependencies, his successors in that most high dignity, and also in favor 
of the said Supreme Council, to be perpetually possessed and exercised 
by them, without any restriction whatever, under the new title which by 
the present treaty is conferred upon the union of the two powers, and 
conformably with our Grand Constitutions, the Institutes and Statutes of 
the Order and of the Rite. 

Article Sixth. 

In consequence of the premises. The Most Illustrious and Potent Sove- 
reign Grand Inspector General, Thirty-third degree. Most Potent Sovereign 
Grand Commander [ad vitam) of the Supreme Council for the United 
States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, shall, from and 
after the ratification of the present treaty by the two contracting powers, 
renounce [ipso facto) that title for himself and his regular successors, and 
shall assume the title, rights, and dignity of Most Illustrious and Most 
Potent Sovereign Grand Commander [ad vitam) of the United Supreme 
Council for the Western Hemisphere of Potent Sovereign Grand Inspec- 
tors General, Thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted 
Scottish Rite, Sublime Chiefs of Exalted Masonry, and shall be proclaimed 
and acknowledged as such. 

In the meantime, the Most Illustrious and Most Potent Sovereijrn 
Grand Inspector General, Thirty-third degree, Brother Count De St. 
Laurent, heretofore Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander [ad 
vitam) of the Supreme Council, Sovereign Grand Inspector General for 
Terra Firma, South America, the Canary Islands, Porto Rico, &c., &c., 
Sublime Chiefs of Ancient and Modern Free Masonry, shall become [ipso 
facto) and shall assume and preserve, during his life, the title and dignity 
of Most Potent Sovereign Assistant Grand Commander [ad vitam) of the 
United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere, &c., he shall be 
proclaimed and acknowledged as such, shall enjoy all the privileges and 
honors inherent to this title and dignity, as an extraordinary and honorable 
reward due to his long, arduous and devoted services to the Order, and 
to our Sublime Rite. He shall be represented in the Supreme Council 
by a Sovereign Grand Inspector General at his option, who, however, must 
be an active member thereof. 



I 



DOCUMENTS. . 233 

Article Seventh. 
The Most Illustrious Brethren, Potent Sovereign Grand Inspectors 
General, Thirty-third degree, Princes of the Royal Secret, and all other 
Sublime Princes and Exalted Masons who now form a part of the Supreme 
Council of the Thirty-third degree for Terra Firraa, South America, &c., 
or any of its sections, shall become, so soon as the present treaty of union 
and amalgamation shall have been ratified — honorary members, if absent, 
or active membei's, if present, of the United Supreme Council of the 
Western Hemisphere, &c., or of its subordinate sections, corresponding 
with their degrees. In both cases, they are to retain the titles appertain- 
ing to their actual dignities, without, however, any exclusive right or 
privilege of pretending to those dignities in the new body. 

Article Eighth. 
For the purpose of protecting, maintaining and supporting the stability 
and independence of the Order, and the welfare of its members, to pre- 
serve it from any innovation, or arbitrary usurpation, to uphold through- 
out the extent of its jurisdiction, the inviolability of the Secret Grand 
Constitutions, the Institutes and Statutes of the Rite, the present treaty, 
and also to favor, in as far as may be possible, the propagation of the 
true light ; the United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere 
may partially delegate its authoi'ity, when it shall consider it advisable 
and proper so to do, to such Masonic body or powers, or Grand Inspec- 
tors General, Thirty-third degree, of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish 
Rite, which it has already recognized, or may hereafter recognize as law- 
fully existing in any part of the Western Hemisphere. 

Article Ninth. 

The Most Illustrious and Most Potent Brother Count De St. Laurent, 
immediately after the sanction and ratification of said treaty by the Su- 
preme Council of the United States of America, shall deposit in the archives 
of the United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere, and which 
shall be the proper archives of the actual Supreme Council of the United 
States of America, &c., a list of all the Lodges, Chapters, Councils, Consis- 
tories, (fee, that have hitherto exercised their labors under his auspices, con- 
stitutions and control, with specifications of their respective locations ; he 
shall likewise deposit all the documents he may at present possess, or may 
hereafter recover, belonging to his former Supreme Council, or relating to 
its incipient establishment, and all its transactions up to the present day. 

Article Tenth. 

Both the contracting powers have declared and proclaimed, and they 



m 



234 SCOTTISH RJ^rE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

do hereby proclaim and declare, that the Thirteen Articles, or points of 
Masonic and true Scottish doctrine, inserted in the records of their afore- 
said and undersigned Committees, are to be considered as so many 
Palladii of the integrity and safety of the Order, and of the tolerance, 
freedom and independence which constitute the basis thereof, and like- 
wise those of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. They pledge 
themselves to sustain them by all regular Masonic means in their power, 
as if they were literally inserted in the body of the present treaty, in as 
far, and so long as it may please the Great Architect of the Universe, to 
protect and preserve their union and amalgamation, and to bless their 
undertakings. 

Article Eleventh. 

Experience having proved that on several occasions, and in some parts 
of the globe, deductions contrary to those doctrines have been erroneously 
drawn from the dispositions of the decree of the Sovereign Grand Con- 
sistory for the United States of America, (fee, issued on the 30th day of 
the 1st month. Anno Lucis, 5826, it is hereby agreed and understood, 
that the Supreme Council of the United States of America, &c., does 
hereby revoke such parts of the said decree as may be in opposition to, 
any one of the aforesaid thirteen points of Masonic and Scottish doctrine. 

Article Twelfth. 

Those only, whatever their respective and several titles may be, or their 
former dignities in the one or the other of the two contracting bodies, and 
whose names are already, or may hereafter be set down in the lists an- 
nexed to the present treaty, shall be acknowledged as Active or Hono- 
rary Members of the United Supreme Council for the Western Hemis- 
phere, or its inferior sections, provided that they be included in one of 
the categories determined by the Seventh Article of the Treaty ; and 
such of the aforesaid members as may have received special powers from 
one or the other of the two contracting powers up to the date of these 
presents, shall submit the same for the ratification of the United Supreme 
Council within the space of nine months at furthest, from the day of the 
ratification ; this term expired, all those powers not sanctioned as afore- 
said, shall be deemed and considered absolutely void. 

All powers granted anterior hereto, by one or the other of the two 
Most Potent contracting parties to individual Masons, whose names are 
not included in the aforesaid lists of the members of the present union, 
shall become null and void from the day of the ratification of this treaty. 



DOCUMENTS. 235 

Article Thirteenth. 

The present treaty embodied in authentic duphcate original, bearing 
the same form, tenor and date, duly signed and sealed by the joint Com- 
mittees of both the contracting parties, shall be submitted for the sanction 
and ratification of the said powers, to take eflfect within the space of nine 
months from the date thereof at furthest. 

After the ratification thereof it shall be sworn to, and forthwith recorded, 
signed and sealed in the Golden Book of the actual Supreme Council for 
the United States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, and 
shall form the close of the said book. All the other books used or kept 
by the Grand Secretary, Grand Chancellor, or Grand Treasurer of the 
aforesaid Supreme Council for the United States, &c., shall be regularly 
stayed, shut and closed. 

A new Golden Book, Records, and other necessary Registers shall be 
opened in due form by the competent OfiBcers or Dignitaries, for the use 
of the Secretary, Chancery and Treasury departments of the new H. E. 
of the Western Hemisphere. 

The present treaty shall form the commencement of the new Golden 
Book of the United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere, when 
duly signed, sealed and rati6ed. 

Article Fourteenth. 

Every Mason who shall henceforth be admitted to the Thirty-second 
or Thirty-third degree, and all other Masons of the said degree who 
shall become Members of the Grand Consistory of the Thirty-second de- 
gree, or of the United Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree for 
the Western Hemisphere, shall sign the original of this treaty, and make 
oath to maintain and support the same. Masonic bodies, or Masons of 
inferior degrees, shall swear to observe and respect this treaty, and sub- 
mit thereto. 

Article Fifteenth. 

A new Seal of the Order for the use of the new United Power shall 
forthwith be made, corresponding exactly with the model hereinafter 
affixed. 

Article Sixteenth. 

Authentic copies of the present treaty shall be transmitted as soon as 
possible to all Masonic bodies, subject to the joint jurisdiction of the new 
United Powers, to all their Grand Inspectors General, and to all duly and 
regularly acknowledged Dogmatic or Administrative Home and Foreign 



IS 



236 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Masonic powers with whom they have heretofore corresponded, or may 
hereafter correspond. 

Done, signed and sealed by us, the members of both the aforesaid 
delegated Committees, in the place specified in our records, at the central 
point of the zenith, this fifth day of the first week of the second moon, 
denominated Yiar, under the zodiacal sign of Taurus, in the year of the 
G. L., 5832 ; and of our Lord and Saviour, the 5th day of April, 1832. 

0. De a. Marquis De Sant Angelo, Thirty-third, 

Lorenzo De Zavalla, " 

Jonathan Schieffelin, " 

Lucas Ugarte, " 

J. Melani Sussarelli, " Grand Chancellor 

and Sec'y, ad hoc. 

George Smith, " Grand Secretary 

of Supreme C*. 



] Seal. ( 



Seal. 



The thirteen special points here follow, and are contained in the pre- 
face to the treaty of 1834, (Part Second of this document.) 



RA TIFICA TIONS. 



T. T. G. OF THE GRAND ARCPIITECT OF THE U. 

Or do mb €hao. 

We, M. a. N. a. R. De Jachim Dk Santa Rosa, De R. De St. 
Laurknt, (Marquis De Santa Rosa, Count De St. Laurent, &e., &c.,) 
Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Thirty-thiid and last degree of the 
Ancient. and Accepted Scottish Rite, Potent Sovereign Grand Comman- 
der {od viiam) of the Supreme Council of the Potent Sovereign Grand 
Inspectors General of the said degree, for Terra Fir ma, South America, 
Mexico or New Spain, Porto Rico, Canary Island*, (fee, Founder of the 
Respectful Lodge of the " Commandeers du Mont Thabor " at the Orient 
of Pariji, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third 
degree for France, &c., (fee. 



DOCUMENTS. 237 

To all Masons toko shall behold these presents^ 

Having examined the Treaty of Union and Amalgamation concluded 
by our appointed Committee, and the Committee appointed by our Most 
Illustrious and Most Potent Brethren, the Potent Sovereign Grand Com- 
mander {ad vitam) and the Supreme Council of Grand Inspectors 
General, Thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scot- 
tish Rite for the United States of America, their Territories and Depen- 
dencies, the said treaty bearing date the fifth day of the second month 
named " ZVar," in this present year of the G. L., 5832, the said Com- 
mittees duly and respectfully authorized to that effect. 

We do hereby engage and promise that we will execute and observe 
sincerely and fjiithfully, all and each of the clauses therein contained and 
expressed, and that we will never permit them to be violated by any one, 
or infringed upon in any manner, as far as we m^ay be able to prevent. 

In confirmation of which we have ratified, and do hereby ratify the 
said treaty, and all the proceedings of the joint Committees according as 
they are in this book set down and written, and we have caused to be 
affixed to this present. Signed by us, and countersigned by our Grand 
Secretary and Chancellor, ad hoc, our seal of the Order and of our Su- 
preme Council. 

Given under the Celestial Canopy, at the central point of the 40 deg., 
41 min., North Latitude, and 3 deg., 1 min., 13 sec, East Longitude from 
Washington City, this thirteenth day of the second month, called " Yiar " 
of the year 5832. 

iSeus J^tumque Jus. 

De St. Laurent, 33d, P.-. S .*. G.*. C .'. [ad vitam)' 
By the G .-. C .*. " ad vitam,'" the G .-. Chan .'. and Sec .*. ad hoc, 
J. Melani Sussarelli, 33d. '—^ 

S 



} 



Seal. 



Here follows a repetition of the same document, signed by 

Elias Hicks, Thirty -third, S.\ G .\C .'. {ad vitam) 

Jonathan Schieffelin, " 1st Lieut. G .*. C .*., 

O. De a. Marqcis De Sant Angelo, " 

John Telfair, " 

M. Velasquez De La Cadena, " G .*. A .*. S .*. G .'. 

By order of the Grand Chancellor {ad vitam) and of the Supreme 
Council, George Smith, G .*. S .'. of S .'. C .*. 



238 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. . 

x>c>C"CJ3M:Esr^T r^o- ao. 

SECOND PART. 



TKEATY 

OF 

mam Mwm, %\lmm mxa €mkkxnim, 

TO THE GLORY, - 

IN THE NAME AND UNDER THE PROTECTION OE THE 

GRAND ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE. 



Ordo fib €ha&. 

The Grand and Supreme COUx^CILS of the 33d and last degree of 

HEREAFTER NAMED; 

To THE Masonic Powers lawfully established and acknowledged, 
To the true, regular, faithful, and Free Scottish Masons of all degrees, 

Ancient and Modern. 
To the Free Masons of all the regular rites, spread over the surface of 

the globe. 



FIRMNESS, CONCORD, PERSEVERANCE, POWER. 



We make known, that upon the express and formal demand made by 
the Most Illustrious and Potent Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of 
the ORDER, Thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted 
Scottish Rite, Grand Representatives invested with full powers by the 
Supreme Council for the Empire of Brazil, of the Potent Sovereign 



DOCUMENTS. 239 

Grand Inspectors General, Chiefs, Protectors and Free Guardians of the 
ORDER, Thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted 
Scottish Rite, duly empowered at the Supreme Council of France ; 
anxious that urgent measures may be taken by all the dogmatic powers 
of the rite, duly established and acknowledged, to put an end to the many 
abuses which have been introduced into the Order, and which threaten 
even the existence of the said Rite. 

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, 

Firsts M. A. N. A, R. De JachIxM De S — te Rose De Roume De 
SxViNT Laurent, (Marquis of Saint Rose, Count of Saint Laurent,) formerly 
Captain and Commodore of the Mexican Navy, &c., P.*. M .',, Sov .'. Gr /. 
Ins.*. Gen .*., Thirty-third degree, M .*. P .'. S .*. Assistant Grand Com- 
mander, ad vitam, of the United Supreme Council for the Western Hem- 
isphere (legally and solemnly _ formed, of the old Supreme Councils of 
New Spain, of Terra Firma and South America, fi'om one sea to the 
other, Canary Islands, &c., &c., and of the old Supreme Council of the 
United States of North America,) sitting at the east of New York, Ordi- 
nary and Extraordinary Super Grand Representative, Grand General and 
Special Deputy of this Masonic Power — to each and all the Masonic 
Powers, legally established on the two hemispheres, &c., &c.'. 

And Gilbert Mottie De Lafayette, (Marquis) Lieutenant General in 
the service of France, Member of the Chamber of Deputies, &c., &c.'. 
P.*. M .'., Sov.-. Gr.\ Ins.'. Gen .*., Thirty-third degree. Grand Hono- 
rary Dignitary, and Grand Ordinary Representative of the same United 
Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere, to the Supreme Council 
of France ; 

Both possessing full powers and credential letters in due forms. 

Second, The Administrative Committee of the Supreme Council for 
France, of the Potent Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, Chiefs, Pro- 
tectors and true Guardians of the Order, Thirty-third and last degree of 
the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite The same Committee having 
for President, The Most III .'. Bro .'. Emanuel John Baptist, Baron 
Freteau De Peny, Counsellor at the Court of Cassation, Member of the 
Legion of Honor, d:c., <fcc., Sov.*. Gr .*. Ins.*. Gen .*., Thirty-third de- 
gree, and Lieutenant Grand Commander of this Supreme Council. The 
above Committee being legally authorized for the present purpose, in 
consequence of the decree of the 29th of .July, 1824, and by the special 
delf^ffation of the Most Illustrious and Potent Sovereii^n Grand Com- 
m-du(\.kix ad vitam^ Brother Antoine Gabriel, Duke of Ciioiseul Stainville, 



240 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Peer of France, Lieutenant General in the service of France, Aid-de- 
Catnp to the King, Governor of the Louvre, Grand Officer of the Legion of 
Honor, &c., &c. 

TJurd, Antonio Carlos, Ribeiro De Andrada Machado Da Silva, 
Brazilian nobleman, Grand Cordon of the Imperial Order of the Southern 
Cross, Knight of the Order of Christ, formerly Counsellor at the Royal 
Court of Bahia, Ancient Deputy to the Constitutional Cortes of Portugal, 
and to the Constituent Assembly of the Empire of Brazil; Sov.*. Gr.'. 
Ins .'. Gen .'., Thirty-third degree ; Lieutenant Grand Commander of the 
Supreme Council of Brazil, sitting at Rio Janeiro. 

And Luiz De Menezez Vasconcellos De Drummond, Brazilian 
Nobleman, Knight of the Order of Christ, formerly Director of the Cus- 
toms at Rio de Janeiro ; Sov .', Gr.-. Ins .'. Gen .'., Thirty -third degree-; 
Grand Treasurer of the Holy Empire for Brazil ; 

Both Grand Representatives possessing full povpers from the said Su- 
preme Council to the Supreme Council of France. 

All of us, assisted by the Most 111 .'. Bro .'. Charles Nicolas Jube, re- 
tired Major General, Officer of the Legion of Honor, &c., P .*. M .-., Sov .*. 
Gr.'. Ins.*. Gen.'., Tliirty-third degree, Member of the Supreme Council 
of France, Gi'and Secretary and Chief of the Office of the Secretary Gene- 
ral of the Rite, taking part in these deliberations, by our unanimous con- 
sent, as Grand Secretary of the Rite, pro tempore. 

In the names of our Respective Masonic Powers, above mentioned : 

We assembled beneath the Celestial Ar .*. and Zen .\ of the central 
and vertical point, corresponding with the mer .'. of Paris, at the E .*. of 
the World, in a place well illuminated, very strong and very holy, near 
the B.'. B .-. this 15th day of the Moon of Adar, 12th month, under the 
sio-n of the fishes. Anno Lucis, 5833, and of the Christian Era, the 23d 
of February, 1834. 

Havincr mutually communicated and duly examined our respective 
powers, found them satisfactory, and having duly exchanged them. 

We formed and constituted ourselves into a Masonic Congress : 

And considering that it is necessary for the support, durabih'ty and 
dio-nitv of the Masonic Order, and of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish 
Rite, to opj)Ose powerfully the abuses which have crept into the Order, 
and re-establish it in its primitive purity. 

Taking for the base of our deliberations and resolutions, the following 
thirteen principal i^oints of the Ancient and imprescriptible doctrines of 
the Older, and principally the Scottish Masonry, viz. : 

First, Free Masonry is a Universal Worship, having for its objects, 



DOCUMENTS. 2-il 

God and Virtue, and which is divided into different known and approved 
rites. Originating from one common source, those rites, although differ- 
ing in form, nevertheless tend to the same end ; 

The adoration of the Great Architect of the Universe, philosophy, 
morality and benevolence towards all men ; this is what every true 
Mason ought incessantly to study and endeavor to practice. 

This worship is essentially tolerant, and every Mason is at liberty to 
choose the rite he may wish to profess. 

Second, All true Masons, of whatever country or rites they may be, 
form but one family of brothers spread over the surface of the globe. 
They form an Order which has its peculiar dogmas, and which is governed 
by General Laws and Fundamental Statutes ; and whatever may be the 
rite they profess, Masons are, nevertheless, obliged to respect and observe 
those Laws and Statutes. 

Third, The diversity of rites necessarily causes the 'diversity of powers 
which govern them ; for each rite is independent of all the others. 

Fourth, To attempt to encroach upon the independence of a rite, is to 
attack the independence of all the other rites — schism is thereby intro- 
duced, and the whole Order disturbed. 

Fifth, An act emanating from the dogmatic or administrative power 
of a rite, can only operate upon Masons of that same rite, who are subject 
to the jurisdiction of that power. It has no authority whatever over 
them, but inasmuch as it is strictly conformable to the fundamental laws 
of the Order, and it can prescribe nothing whatever that is in opposition 
With, those laws. 

Sixth, Faithful and devoted above all things to his country, and 
obedient to the laws and institutions by which it is governed, the true 
Mason enumerates among his most sacred obligations, the exact fulfilment 
of the oaths which bind him to his rite, to the Lodge where he received 
the light, and to the Masonic Power whence he derived his privileges. 
He can only be exonerated from his obligations by that power with 
whom he contracted them, and in conformity with the Masonic laws 
-which he has sworn to observe and respect, without which laws no 
Masonry could exist. ^ 

Seventh, Every attempt which may be made to compel a Mason, either 
by persecution or violence, to quit the rite to which he belongs, is con- 
trary to the Spirit and General laws of Masonry. 

Eighth, Each Masonic power governs by its General Statutes, all 
Lodo-es, or Masonic Societies of its own rite, whether located within the 



242 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

limits of its Territorial jurisdiction, or established by it, or with its con- 
sent, in those countries where no other regular power of the same rite 
already exist. 

Ninths The power that governs a rite in a Territorial jurisdiction, law- 
fully acknowledged, is sovereign and independent throughout the whole 
extent of such Territorial jurisdiction, but is neverthelesss subject to the 
General laws of Masonry, and to the Fundamental Statutes of its particu- 
lar Rite. 

Tenths All Masonic powers, whatever their rites may be, are subject 
to the General laws of the Order ; they may be considered as rays that 
verge towards a common centre, by the unity of sentiments and prin- 
ciples. 

Eleventh^ The object for which Lodges were established, is, to com- 
pass the ends the Order aims at. That of a dogmatic power consists in 
teaching them the doctrine, and directing their actions by the purity of 
the dogma, and by the observation of the Fundamental Statutes and In- 
stitutions of the Order, It insures this object to the Lodges under its 
jurisdiction, by a lawful Constitution, by regulating their labors, and by 
maintaining among these Lodges, and the Masons composing them, har- 
mony, good morals, and union. 

Twelfth, Every Masonic power regularly and lawfully constituted, duly 
acknowledged and invested with the full dogmatic authority of a rite, 
over a particular territory, possesses incontestably and exclusivel}^ the 
right to constitute and govern the Lodges of that same rite throughout 
the whole extent of its dominions. But this right never can authorize 
the said power to exclude, forbid, or hinder a power of another rite, even 
though of foreign country, from granting to such Masons as may solicit 
the same in the regular form, the necessary Charters for the legal estab- 
lishment of Lodges and Chapters, or even a power itself, of that other 
rite, within the limits of the same Territory. 

Thirteenth, And in particular as regards the Ancient Accepted Scot- 
tish Rite professed by the contracting powers. 

THEY ACKNOAVLEDGE AND DECLARE 

That there can exist but one sole Dogmatic Power, or Supreme Coun- 
cil of the Thirty-third degree of that Rite,vvithin the same Territorial juris- 
diction ; that is to say, throughout the Territorial extent of an indepen- 
dent State and its dependencies, whenever there does not exist boundaries 
legally established of such a Territorial jurisdiction. 

That such power established for a particular Territorial jurisdiction, 



I 



DOCUMENTS. 243 

becomes a competent judge in all questions of honor among Masons that 
owe it obedience. 

That no Masonic power of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, 
nor any subordinate branch thereof, can, under any pretence whatever, 
become joined to, or embodied with, another power or association of a 
different Rite, nor can it legally become, under any title whatsoever, a 
section or a dependency of that other power or association. 

That, such a step, which would deprive the guilty power of its inde- 
pendence, its authority and its very existence, would also be a violation 
of its very existence, would also be a violation of the general spirit of 
Masonry, and the independence of the rite — that it would tend to throw 
the entire order into confusion, and consequently all Masons ought to be 
most carefully cautioned against every attempt or suggestion that might 
be made, and that might lead them to so fatal a result. 

AccoRDiNa TO THESE PRINCIPLES, and wishing to insure the regenera- 
tion of our rite. 

To maintain its unity ; guarantee its independence ; and restore its 
ancient discipline. 

Desirous above all things, to destroy radically all abuses which may 
have crept in, and which arise chiefly ; 

— From neglect of the respect and observation, either of the primitive 
laws of the Order, and of its Fundamental Statutes, or of the private 
Statutes and Regulations emanating from each Masonic power. 

— From the criminal facility, and perhaps from the shameful speculation 
which too often cause the admission of candidates, and bestowino- of 
degrees. 

— From the careless indifference with which Diplomas, Briefs, Patents, 
&c., (kc, supposed to have been given in foreign countries, are examined 
and verified ; 

Convinced that pinion between the Chief Powers of the Rite, by keep- 
ing up among themselves a more fraternal intimacy, by multiplying and 
facilitating the means of a reciprocal and mutual correspondence, and by 
being as firmly united as possible in the efforts which each of them 
intends to make with the view of restoring to the rite its ancient splen- 
dor. 



244 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

WE, SOV.-. GR.-. INS.-. GEN.-. 

Ch:. Pr.\ and True Guard .'. of the Order ^ Thirty-third and last 
degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite^ 

ALREADY ^^AMED A^^D QUALIFIED IN THE MIES OF 
OUR RESPECTIYE SUPREME COUNCIL, 

AND IN VIRTUE OF THEIR FULL POWERS, 

We have Stipulated and Determined^ and we do hereby Stipulate and 
Determine the following 



®rf Etg 



Article First. 

Now and forever, there is an intimate and indissoluble union between 
all the Supreme Councils of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, now 
regularly constituted for the United (and other) States of South and 
North Americas, France, and the Empire of Brazil, their Territories, De- 
pendencies and Jurisdictions, such as they are established by the deeds 
given at their first assembly and acknowledgement, dated — viz, : For the 
United States of America, New Spain, South America, (formerly the 
Spanish dominions,) &c., &c., the thirteenth day of the second month, 
5832. 

For France, the 21st of September, 1762, and the decrees of 1804, 
1806, and Yth of May, 1821. 

And lastly, for the Empire of Brazil, under date of the 12th day of the 
8th month, 5832, (12th of November, 1832.) (The Supreme Council 
sitting at Brussels has since acceded to this treaty and joined the Con- 
federation.) All of which are acknowledged and designed under the fol- 
lowing titles : 

United Supreme Council of the Western Hemisphere, sitting at the 
Ea ,'. of New York. 

Supreme Council of France, sitting at the Ea .'. of Paris. 

Supreme Council of the Empire of Brazil, sitting at the Ea .•. of Rio 
de Janeiro. 

The above named powers do hereby confederate and reciprocally bind 
themselves toward each other. This Confederation, Union and Bound 
have for object, and they promise mutually : 



DOCUMENTS. 245 

First, To work in perfect union, nnd without remission, so as to arrive 
at the only object of the Order — which is eminently philosopljical, moral 
and philanthropic. 

Second, To maintain its dogmas, principles and doctrines in all their 
purity, to propagate them, defend them, and respect them, and cause 
them to be respected at all times, and in all places. 

Third, To maintain, observe, respect, defend and enforce the obedience 
and respect in the same manner, the General and Fundamental Institu- 
tions, Constitutions, Laws, Statutes and Regulations of the Order, and 
particularly those of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. 

Fourth, To maintain and defend with all their energy ; to guard and 
respect, and to enforce the observance and respect for the rights, privi- 
leges and independence of the Rite, and the integrity of their respective 
Territorial Jurisdictions : to guard them from all usurpation, and on 
every occasion to reclaim against any which may have been made. 

Fifth, To act with perseverance, and with all their influence, against 
the indifference, egotism, inconstancy and mania of imprudent innova- 
tions and Licence, — real tomb of liberty, true source of discord, hatred and 
anti-masonic anarchy. 

Sixth^ To re-establish the Ancient discipline of the Order ; to main- 
tain, strengthen and observe it, and cause it to be observed and respected, 
under all circumstances. 

Seventh, Lastly, to protect and cause to be respected, the true Masons 
of every rite, but particularly the true and faithful Scottish Masons of 
their respective obediences, in all places where they may extend their in- 
fluence. For this purpose the confederated powers solemnly bind them- 
selves to a mutual, constant, persevering and firm pact of reciprocal aid 
in all occasions. 

Article Second, 

The intimate alliance and confederation of the contracting powers, 
necessarily extends, under their auspices, to the Masonic Associations and 
Lodges, and to all true Masons submissive to their respective obediences 
and jurisdictions. Consequently there cannot be formed between these 
different Associations or Lodges, any sort of particular affilliation or con- 
federation, un-der pain of irregularity and nullity, independent of other 
punishments which may be applied to the offender.s, according to the 
laws of the Order. 

Article Third. 

The Confederated Powers acknowledge and hereby proclaim anew, as 
Grand Constitutions of the Ancient x'\ccepted Scottish Rite, the Constitu- 



246 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

tions, Institutes, Statutes and General Regulations, determined upon by 
the Nine Commissioners of the Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, on 
the 21st of September, 1762 : as they are now modified by those dated 
1st of May, 1786 — which they also acknowledge, proclaim, and promise 
to respect, observe and defend, under the positive reservation, to examine, 
rectify and curtail the alterations and additions which have been made to 
the same, and which pervert their original dispositions. For this purpose, 
an authentic copy of the said Grand Constitutions of 1786, certified and 
signed by all the members of the present Congress shall be annexed to 
each original duplicate of the present treaty. 

Article Fourth. 
Every Act or Convention already made, or which may be made by 
any regular Masonic Power whatever, which are, or may be, contrary to 
the principles of the independence of the Rites, and to the dispositions of 
the Article 5th of the Grand Constitutions of 1786, are declared null and 
of no effect. 

Article Fifth. 

The Confederated Powers, faithful to the fundamental doctrines of the 
Order, and wishing to unite constantly, that of the Masonic tolerance 
with that of the absolute independence of the rites, shall acknowledge and 
receive, as true and legitimate Jilasons in their respective Rites and de- 
grees, all those who shall prove their qualities by authentic and regular 
Titles or Patents, delivered by a power legally established and duly 
acknovr'ledged, as possessing the right to grant such certificates. Titles or 
Patents, for the degrees of these Rites. 

As a consequence of the same principles, they declare, that upon no 
occasion, or under any pretext whatever, will they acknowledge, as legiti- 
mate Masons of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, any but those 
who have been regularly received, and provided with degrees of this rite, 
either by one of the contracting powers, or by a Lodge under their respec- 
tive control, or by any other power of the same rite, legally established, 
and duly acknowledged as such by the confederation. 

Every Scottish Mason, who, after having been duly received in a regu- 
lar Lodge of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, may have forfeited 
his oath, deserted the standard of the rite, or who may have been guilty 
of any other irregularity, shall be deprived of the benefit of this disposition 
and pointed out as irregular. 

Article Sixth. 

With the intention to cause the inspection which they engage to ob- 



DOCUMENTS. 247 

serve, to be more permanent, active, and efficacious in that intent, the 
Confederate Powers, and the Corporations under their obedience, will 
never acknowledge as regular Masonic titles, those proceeding from 
Masonic bodies or Lodges not under their respective jurisdictions, except- 
ing such as should have been duly certified and stamped by the Grand 
Secretary General of the Power from which they emanate, as also by the. 
diflferent Representatives legally authorized, and residing in the district 
thereof. However, all authentic titles proceeding from a regular associa- 
tion of the rite, established far from the seat of the power upon which it 
depends, shall be received as valid and regular — if they have been verified 
and signed by the delegates or deputies of the said power, established by 
it in the said distant place, and who have continued faithful to their man- 
date, agreeably to article IGth of the General Regulations of 1762. 
Article Seventh. 

In order to maintain and strengthen the discipline of the Rite, and to 
fulfil the true intent of Article 5th of the same General Regulations — it 
is expressly agreed upon between the Confederated Powers, that any 
measures or definitive condemnation which may be awarded, by any of 
them against a Mason, a Lodge, or any Masonic association whatever, under 
their control, shall be deemed as the act and deed of the whole confedera- 
tion, shall be immediately transmitted to each of the other powers, and 
receive its full and entire execution throughout the whole extent of iheir 
respective jurisdictions. A Scottish Mason who may unfortunately fall 
under a sentence of discipline, cannot elude its consequences by presenting 
himself as a Mason of another rite, even though he may have regularly 
practiced the said rite, before the sentence which punished him has been 
pronounced. He shall be struck out of the lists of the Ancient and Ac- 
cepted Scottish Rite forever, if he should have become initiated into 
another Rite, with the intention of eluding his sentence while judgment 
was pending, or after it has been pronounced. 

Article Eighth. 

All correspondence, all brotherly communications shall cease to exist 
between the Confederated Powers, the Masonic Associations under their 
control, and the Lodges, Associations and powers of the foreign obedience 
who, in the case above mentioned, may connive at such acts of insubordi- 
nation and disobedience. 

Article Ninth. 

In the same view, and for the purpose of always preserving union, con- 
cord and regularity among the Masons, and in the different corporations 



248 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

under their respective obediences — the Confederated Powers bind them- 
selves to exercise among them, and in their different Lodges, a mutual, 
permanent, active and tutelar inspection, as iimch in the choice of candi- 
dates for initiation, as in the promotions and granting of degrees, delivery 
of Briefs, Diplomas and Powers, and finally, on everything which may 
concern their composition, labors, direction, and all the different parts of 
their administration. 

Article Teiith. 

From the date of the present treaty, there shall be an active and inti- 
mate correspondence between all the Confederated Supreme Councils. 
All communications made to one, shall be immediately dispatched to the 
others. They shall inform each other every six months, of anything inter- 
esting to the Order in general, which may come to their knowledge, or 
may take place in their respective jurisdictions — but particularly as relates 
to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite — they shall point out every- 
thing which may call for new measures of preservation, discipline or 
general safety. They shall remit to each other, once a year, an official 
list of all the Thirtieth, Thirty-firs4:, Thirty-second and Thirty-third, form- 
ing their personal composition, both active and honorary. 
Article Eleventh. 

Every Confederated Supreme Council shall at times be represented at 
each others' meetings, Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, Thirty-third 
degree of the Rite, appointed by them, and who shall be invested with 
the most extensive powers. These Grand Representatives can assist at all 
the labors of the Sublime degrees of the Rite, even those of the Supreme 
Council itself. They shall be summoned to all these labors, and take 
part in all consultations. They have their privilege of protesting, in the 
names of their respective powers, against any deliberations that may tend 
to injure the general interests of the Order, or those interests which they 
represent in particular. In such cases, and at their express demand, their 
protest shall be inserted in the minutes of the sitting whereat they pro- 
tested, and a memorandum (act) to that effect shall be delivered to them 
without delay. They are required to make an official communication of 
the same to every member of the Confederation. And in case the Su- 
preme Council at which they are appointed Representatives shall adopt a 
Resolution in their absence,- they shall likewise have the right of protest- 
ing against that Resolution. Consequently, they shall always be at liber- 
ty to inspect the Registers of the Grand Secretary, who is bound to com- 
ply at once with their request, and to communicate to them the Registers, 



DOCUMENTS. 249 

on the spot, also to receive all protests wliich they may deem fit to make, 
and deliver a memorandum [act) of the same. Immediately after the 
verification of their credentials (Powers) they shall be acknowledged, 
solemnly proclaimed, and exercise all their rights and privileges through- 
out the whole extent of the jurisdiction in which they shall reside. They 
shall stand next in rank to the Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Thir- 
ty-third degree, active members to the Supreme Council to whom they 
shall be accredited. Among themselves the precedence shall be deter- 
mined according to the date of their admissions as Grand Representatives 
at those Councils. 

Article Twelfth. 

Every five years, on the anniversary of the day of the signing of this 
Treaty, the Confederated Supreme Councils shall assemble in an ordinary 
Congress, in the persons of their Representatives, to the Supreme Council 
of France, to inform themselves of the general affairs of the Order, to de- 
hberate and determine in common upon whatever measures which may 
be viewed by them as necessary for the interests of the Ancient and Ac- 
cepted Scottish Rite. They shall, for this purpose, receive special ordei*s 
and powers from their constituents. The Supreme Council of France will 
appoint at the same time, a delegate, invested with similar powers, to be 
its Representative at the Congress. A number exceeding more than the 
half of the Representatives being present at Paris, on the anniversary day 
above stated, and during the thirty-three subsequent days shalJ be legally 
sufiScient to constitute the Congress. 

Article Thirteenth. 

Whenever the Grand Representatives established near any of the Con- 
federated Powers, by the others, acknowledge the necessity of assembling 
an Extraordinary Congress, and this Power partakes of the same opinion, 
a deliberation is to take place accordingly, the motives must be thereon 
briefly, but clearly explained ; in case of unanimity, a declaration of 
urgency is to be issued in the minute (verbal process) of the deliberation 
and signed, manu propria, by all the members present, sent without de- 
lay to all the members of the Confederation, with appointment of the 
day when the Congress is to meet, and requesting them at the same time 
to get themselves represented thereto, by Grand Inspectors General, dele- 
gate, ad hoc, and furnished with full, absolute and special powers. 

Article Fourteenth. 

These species of Congress are bound to assemble on the day appointed 
for their opening. 



250 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

They are qualified to deliberate only upon the special object for which 
they are dissembled ; all other matters foreign thereto shall be declared 
null and of no effect. They shall separate immediately after the special 
object for which they were assembled shall have been fulfilled. And in 
no case, can a Congress, either Ordinary or Extraordinary, continue open 
for more than thirty-three days. 

Article Fifteenth. 

The rights are expressly reserved, of all the Grand and Supreme Coun- 
cils of the Thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted 
Scottish Rite, legally established and duly acknowledged, to this moment, 
hy one of the members of the Confederation, though compelled by tem- 
.porary circumstances to remain inactive ; they are hereby, and brotherly 
irequested to acceed to the present Treaty, and to enter into our Holy 
Confederation so soon as they may begin anew their labors. All those 
existing now without our acknowledgement, and those who may in future 
be established, according to the laws of the Order, may be received on 
their justifying the legality of their formation, and the general list of their 
members. The Confederation will be the judge of the case. Well 
grounded opposition of one of its members will be sufficient to prevent 
the acknowledgement, and determine the rejection of the demand. 

Article Sixteenth. 

The Confederated Powers call the protection of the Grand Architect of 
the Universe upon their undertaking— SOLE AND SOVEREIGN MAS- 
TER OF ALL THINGS. They commit the present Treaty to the safe 
guard of the true and faithful Scottish Masons, spread over the two hem- 
ispheres. They command the Lodges, Masons and Masonic bodies under 
their respective jurisdictions, to consider the present Treaty' as a General 
Law of the Order — to respect it, and to obey its dispositions, they forbid 
them to make in it the smallest alteration, under the risk of being de- 
clared unworthy of the title of Mason, and of being struck out forever 
from the lists, and expelled from every assembly of the Order. 
Article Seventeenth. 

The present Treaty, made out in four originals, and written in the four 
languages of England, Spain, France and Portugal, duly signed and 
sealed with our respective seals, shall be submitted to the ratification of 
each of the Confederated Powers as speedily as possible. 

The Ratifications thereof shall be exchanged between their respective 
Grand Representatives at the Supreme Council of France, in the office of 



DOCUMENTS. 251 

the Secretary General (pro tempore) of the Rite at the East of Paris — 
viz; 

For the United Supreme Council of the Western Hemisphere, in nine 
months. 

For the Supreme Council of France, in nine days from this date, 

And for the Supreme Council of Brazil, in thirteen months. 

Made, stipulated and concluded between iis, above qualified and under- 
signed, at the place aforementioned, the day, month, and year- — ut supra. 

Btun JMeumque 3us. 

Ct. De St. Laurent, La Fayette, 

Sov .-. Gr .-. Ins .'. Gen .-. 33d etc., 33d .*. 



1-1 



B'oN Freteau De Peny, 33d .*. 
Sexier, 33d .'. Cte Thebault, 33d .*. 

JI'is De Giamboni, 33d .*. 
A. C. R. D'Andrada, 33d .*. 

Luiz De Menes. Vascos. De Drummond, 33d .*. 

By order of the Congress. 
The Gr .*. Sec .*. Gen .*. of the Rite, pt'o tempore, 

Charles Jube, 33d .*. 
— -^ — V Sov .-. Gr .*. Ins .-. Gen .'. 

L. S. 



252 SCOTTISH EITB, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTBD. 

RA TIFICA TION. 

BY THE 

MOST POT.-. SOV.-. GRAND COMMANDER, 

AND BY 

The United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere of the Pot 
Sov .*. Gr .*. Ins .'. Gen .*. 33d and last degree, &c., &c. 



^s t|)f <SIot:^ ©f tie Cireat ^ircfiitect of t|)e fcilbme. 



Ordo ab €hao* 



We, Elias Hicks, P.*. M /., ex Grand Secretary of the M /. W .'. 
Grand Lodge of the State of New York ; ex G .-. H /. P .-. of the Wash- 
ington Chapter of R .'. A .*. M .'. ; ex M /. Pot .*. Sov .*. Gr .-. Comman- 
der of the ex Supreme Council of the United States of North America — 
Sov .*. Gr.*. Ins ,'. Gen .*., 33d degree — M /. Puiss .-. Sov .*. Gr.*. Com- 
mander, ad vitam, of the United Supreme Council for the Western Hem- 
isphere, etc., etc. 

In Supreme Council, duly and regularly assembled — 

Having seen and carefully examined the Treaty of Union and Con- 
federation concluded at Paris on the 23d day of February, 1834, be- 
tween the official Representatives of the United Supreme Council for the 
Western Hemisphere, and the Commissioners Plenipotentiaries of the Su- 
preme Council of France, and Supreme Council for the Empire of Brazil ; 
and to which treaty the Supreme Council sitting at Brussels, by its act of 
adhesion and ratification passed on the fifth day of March, 5835, became 
a party : 

Do, by these presents, approve and ratify the said Treaty of Union in 
all and every, its several provisions and stipulations, pledging our Masonic 
honor, faithfully and rigidly to observe and respect the same, and to 
cause the same to be respected and observed by all the means within our 
power. To this end therefore, and the better to insure its more certain 
and effectual attainment, we do order and direct all the Lodges, Chapters, 
Colleges, Areopagus, Grand Councils and Consistories within our jurisdic- 
tion and under our control, to cause the said Treaty, upon their receiving 
an official communication of this our ratification, to be forthwith entered 
at large in their respective books of minutes. 



DOCUMENTS. 253 

And we hereby invite all our very 111 .'. Bro .'. Sov .'. Gr /. Inspectors 
General to furnish their aid in causing the said Treaty to be carried into 
full and perfect effect, and do enjoin all the " Sublimes and Vahant 
Princes of the Royal Secret," Gr .*. Insp .•. Judges Commanders and 
Knights Grand Elect Kadosch, to observe and respect the same, without 
subterfuge, evasion or alteration. 

In faith whereof, We and our Very 111 .*. Brethren, Sov .*. Gr .*. In- 
spectors General, members of our United Supreme Council for the Wes- 
tern Hemisphere, have signed these presents, and have caused the Grand 
Seal of the ORDER, and of the United Supreme Council, to be there- 
unto affixed. 

Done in Supreme Council, at the city of New York, in the United 
States of America, on the sixth day of the tenth month — Chisleu, twenty- 
sixth — A, L. 5836, and of the Christian Era, the 6th day of December, 
1836: 

Elias Hicks, 33d, 

M.-. P.'. Sov.-. Gr.-. Com.-. 
Francis Dubuar, 33J, Jonathan Schieffelin, 33d, 

2d Lieut. Gr .'. Com .-. 1st Lieut. Gr .'. Com .*. 

De La Flechelle, 33d, Joseph Bouchaud, 33d, 

Thomas Longworth, 33d, 
John B. Satterthwaite, 33d, P. Remy, 33d, 

Aaron H. Palmer, 33d, 
Seth Driggs, 33d, H. Westervelt, 33d, 

Sov .•. Gr .'. Ins .'. Gen .*. James Herring, 33d, 

J. Da Rocha Galvao, 33d, Wm. Wright Hawkes, 33d, 

Jos. Michard, 33d, G. De Loynes, 33d, 

T. W. Satterthwaite, 33d, 

Sealed by me, Grand Keeper of the Seals, 

John Telfair, 33d, 






By order, 

Dd. Naar, 33d, 
Ac .-. Sec .'. Gen 



254 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

APPENDED TO SAID TREATY. 



VERA INSTITUTA SECRETA ET FUNDAMENTA 

ORDIJYIS 

Mtxmw Btxndmm libmram ^ggregatam 

AT QUE 

CONSTITUTIONES MAGNJ] 

ANNI, MDCCLXXXVl. . 

A supremis Delegatis Counciliorum, nullis secundoram, Ritus, recte 
constitutorum et ad Congressum vocatis universalem, rite ad Archetypum 
Fecognita et affirmata esse consentanea cum Archetypis, secundum 
Fcederis conjunctionis, et consociationis Art III., die 15°, 

LUNAE ADAR 5835. 
BT VULGATA AUSPICIIS ILLIUS FCBDARAT^ SOCIETATIS 



f Seal of the ^ 

^ Supreme Council J- 

(^ of France. J 

V ^ ^ 



UNIVER8I 



NOVA 

INSTITUTA SECRETA ET FUXDAMENTA 
ANTIQUISSIMAE, 

Venerandissimse que Societatis Veterum 
Structorum Liberorum Aggregatorum, 
Quse 
Regius ac Militaris Liberse Artis Fabricas Lapidarije Ordo vocatur„ 



DOCUMENTS.. 255 

^os. Fredericus, Dei Gratia, Rex Borussise, Margravius Brandeburgi, &c,, 

Supremus Magnus Protector, Magnus Ooinmendator, Magnus Magister 
Universalis, et Conservator x\ntiquissima3 et Venerabilis Societatis Veterum 
Liberorum Structorum Aggregatorura vel Latomiorura, seu Regalis et 
Militaris Ordinis Liberne Artis Fabricse Lapidariae, vel Liberae Latomias. 

Illustribus et dilectis Fratribus Prsesentes inspecturis : 

0D5a[l®!!][lE]» 

Quod compertum et exploratum ipsi nos habemus, conservantia et sum- 
ma officia quae pacti sumus Antiquissima, Reverendissima que institutione 
nota aevo nostro, sub nominas Liberae Artis Fabricse Lapidariae Fraterni- 
tatis aut Ordinis Veterum Structorum Liberorum Aggregatorum, fecerunt, 
quod notum est omnibus, ut illam nostra speciali solicitudinae tutaremur. 

Haec universalis Institutio, quae originem a Societatis Hamanae origine 
ducit, est pura in Dogmate et Doctrina, Sapiens, Prudens, et Moralis in 
Disciplinis, Exercitationibus, Conciliis et Rationibus, et Fine insigniter 
philosophico, sociali et huraano se prsesertim coramendat ; hujus ce socie- 
tatis finis hie est : Concordia, Felicitas, Progressus, Commoda Generis 
humani generatim sumpti, et particularitur nnius cujus que hominis : 
igitur omui spe et opera, constanti animo uti debet ut ad cum exitum, 
quern solum se dignum profitetur, perveniat. 

Sed progredienta setati, organorum compositio prisci queregiminis unitas 
graviter adulteratae sunt magnis eversionibus rerum que mutationibus 
quae Mundi statum everterunt aut alternis vicibus immutarunt, et quae 
priscos structores diversis antiquorum nostrorum que temporum periodis, 
in varias Orbis partes sparserunt. Hie dispersus sejunctiones operatus 
est, quae sub Rituum nomine hodie vigent et quorum conjunctio Ordinem 
componit. 

Sed divisiones aliae primis ex divisionibus ortae, novis Societatibus con- 
stituendis locum dederunt, et plurimis nulla alia cum Libera Arte Fabricae 
Lapidariae est communitas paeter nomen alias que formulas a fundatoribus 
servatas ut tegerent consilia secreta, saepe exclusorio, aliquando etiam 
periculosa et fere semper principiis doctrinis quae sublimibus Liberae Artis 
Fabricse Lapidariae, traditione transmissis, opposita. 

Nutae discordiae novis illis societatibus in Ordine concitatae, et per nimium 
tempus alitae, ilium suspicionibus et diffidentiae omnium fere principium 
objecerunt, etiam quae saevis nonnullorum insectationibus. 

Conatibus Structorum virtute praestantium sedatae fuere discordiae, et 



256 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

illi omnes, jam a longo tempore votis exposcunt ut generaliter in eas 
consulatiir, rationibus que eos reditus impediant, Ordinem que sustineant, 
illi sui Regiminis, Organorumque priscae compositionis unitatem, priscam 
que disciplinan restituendo. 

Heec vota accipiendo, quae vota nobis coramunia sunt a completa 
iniliatione nostra mj'steriis Liberse Artis F'abricse Lapidarise, nobis attamen 
dissimulare non potuinuis nee numerum, nee naturam, nee veram mag- 
nitudinem obstaeulorura removendorum ut ilia vota persolverenlur. 

De tali re facienda rationem inire meditabamur deliberando, cum 
fratiibus sapientissimis et principibus Fraternitatis in omnibus Orbis, re- 
gionibus, de consiliis aptissimis ad utilem ilium exitum consequendura, 
violato nullius arbitrio, nulla vera structorum libertate violata, nee 
opinionum prascipue, quae inter omnes libertates prima et sacerrima est, 
atque admodum propensa ad aceipiendam offensionem. 

Usque adhue Regis officia, Nobis magis peculiaria, et plurimi graves 
que eventus, qui nostri Principatus eursum insignierunt, irritam erga 
hoc fecerunt nostram voluntatem et a proposito illo nos deterruerunt. 
Absolutio perfectio que tam magni, puleliri, aequi ac neeessarii operis, ad 
tempus, prudentiara, eognitionem, studium que fratrum, qui nobis sueee- 
dent, deinceps pertinent: illud pensum illis relinquimus, praecipimus que 
ut sine intermissione, leniter ac prudenter dent illi operam. 

Attamen recentes ac instantes expositiones 'quae ad nos his proximis 
temporibus, omnibus ex locis, missae fuere, nobis notam reddutit urgentem 
necessitatem opponendi potentera molem animo intolerantiae, sectaB 
schismatis et anarchiae quem inter fratres, nuperi novatores adsciscere 
conantur, speetantes ad eonsilia plus minus ve restricta, inconsiderata aut 
vituperabilia, et oblata sub speciosis rationibus quae a propositio veram 
Artem Fabricae Lapidariab, naturam suam immutando, deflectere, et sic ad 
contemptionem extinctionem que Ordinis pervenire possunt. Confitemur 
nos met ipsi banc urgentem necessitatem, edocti omnia quas in regnis 
vieinorum bodie geruntur. 

Igitur has rationes,ali8e que causas non minoris ponderis nos impellunt 
ad colligendum et agglomerandum in unum corpus Artem Fabricae 
Lapidariae omnes Rhus Scotici Regiuiinis, quorum doctrinae generaliter 
agnoscuntur esse maxime easdem ac ill^ priscse institutiones, quae eodem 
tendunt, et qu«, cum sint praecipui rami ejusdem arboris, tantum inter 
se differunt formulis jam inter multos explanatis, et quas conciliare facile 
est. 

"Hi Ritus sunt qui agnoscuntur sub nomine Antiqui — Heredom aut 
Hairdum, — Kilwinning Orientis, — Sancti Andreae, — Imperatorum Orientis 



DOCUMENTS.- 257 

et Occidentis, — Principium^ Regi Secreti, aut Perfectionis, — Philosophise 
et Ritus lecentissimus prim^vus dictus. 

Igiiur, aceeptum habendo, pro basi nostrse reformationis conservatrici, 
titulum pritiii illorum Rituuin et nuraerum graduum hierarchicum iiltimi. 
Declaramus illos omnes jam nunc conjunctos et agglomeiatos in unum 
Ordinem q^ui, profitendo dogma et puras doctrinas priscse Artis Fabricae? 
Lapidarias, complectitur systemata omnia Scotici Ritus copulata sub titulo 
Rhus Scotici Antiqui Accepti. 

Doclrina largietur Structoribus, in gradibus triginta tribus, in septem 
templa, aut classes partitis, quos quisque structor vicissira lustrare tene- 
bitur antequara ad Sublimissimum ac ultimum perveniat : acin quoque 
gradu, subibit moras et pericula quae Instituta, Decreta, Prasscripta que 
antiqua ac nova Ordinis at que Perfectionis exigunt. 

Primus gradus Secundo subjicietur, iste Tertio, et sic ordine usque ad 
Sublimem (Tertium et Trigesimum ac ultimum) qui " ad omnes alios 
advigalibit, illos redarguet, illis que imperabit, et cujus congregatio aut 
conventus, Magnum Concilium Supremum, Dogmaticum erit, Defensor 
Conservator que Ordinis, quern gubernabit atque administrabit, ex 
prassentibus et ex constitutionibus quae proxime institueutur. 

" Omnes gradus Rituum supra agglomeratorum a primo ad octavum 
decimum, in gradibus Ritus Perfectionis ordini suo respondent! et ex sua 
analogia et similitudine coUocabuntur, et XVIII primos gradus Ritus 
Scotici Antiqui Accepti component : undevigesimus gradus, ac Tertius et 
vigesimus gradus Ritus qui pkim^vus vocatur, vigesimus Ordinis erit. 
Vigesimus^ ac Tertius et vigesimus gradus Perfectionis, aut Dedecimus 
sextus, ac quartus et vigesimus Ritus prim^vi, primus et vigesimus, ac 
octavus et vigesimus Ordinis erunt. Principes Regii Secreti, in secundo 
et trigesimo gradu se se collocabunt, sub Summis Magnis Inspectoribus 
Generalibus, qui gradus Tertius et trigesimus ac ultimus Ordinis est.* 
Primus et trigesimus gradus Summos JunicES Commendatores habebit 
summi commendatores summi electi Equites Kadosch Trigesimum 
gradum component. In tertio et vigesimo, ac nono et vigesimo, quinto 
et vigesimo, sexto et vigesimo, septirao et vigesimo, ac nono et vigesimo 
gradu." Capita Tabernaculi, Principes Tabernaculi, Equites Serpentis 
aenei, Principes Gratiae, summi commendatores Templi, et Summi Scoti 
Sancti Andreae coUocabuntur." 

Eorumdem Scotorum Regiminum aggregatorum, omnes sublimes 
gradus, secundum eorum analogiam, vel identitatem, distributi erunt in 

1 Sic. 2 Where is the nineteenth? 3 Sic. 

4 Where is the twenty-fourth and why that duplicate of the twenty-ninth? 



258 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

classes eoriim Ordinis respondentes in Regimina Ritus Scoti Antiqui 

ACCEPTI. 

Sed nunquam, ne que nullo pretextu nullus eorum sublimiura graduum 
adsirailari potent Tertio et Trigesimo et Sublissimo gradui Supremi 
Magni Inspectoris Generalis, Protectoris, conservatoris Ordinis, ultimo 
ejusdem Antiqui Accepti Scoti Ritus ; nullo in casu poterit quis frui 
eisdem juribus, prserogativis, privilegiis aut facultatibus, quibus eos inspec- 
tores Nos insigniraus. 

Sic eos instituimus vigore facultatum Supremarum et conservatricium. 
Ut que hoc firmum et inconcussum sit, Jubemus omnibus nostris 
Dilectis, Strenuis, Excelsis, que Equitibus, Principibus que Latomiis* 
auxiliarem ei manum prsebere. 

Datum in nostra Regali Sede Berolini, Kalendis Maji Anno 
Gratise, mcclxxxvi,'^ Nostri Regni, xlvii. 
Subscriptum, 

FREDERICUS. 

1 Sic. 

2 This date is authenticated under the seal of the Supreme Council of France.— Boudon's 
Edition, p. 55. 



DOCUMENTS.^ 259 

mmm terrarum orbis mmi ARcniTECTORis gloria ab 
lumm 

COJ\''STITUTIOJYES ET STATUTA 

P^agiimiini Sii|reinornni que C0iitHioriim 

COXSTANTIL'M E MAGXIS GEXEKALIBUS INSPECTORIBUS, 
PATPtOXIS, DUCIBUS COiNSERVATOPJBUS 

ORDINIS 

3311 

ULTIMI QUE GRADUS ANTIQUI SCOTI EITUS ACCEPTL 

ITEM 

EEGENDIS OiTXIBUS CONSISTORIIS, CONCILIIS, COLLEGES, CAPITULIS, 

ALUS QUE SOCIETATIBUS LATOMIIS EORUMDEM CO^^CJLIOIIUM 
JUBISDICTIOiXI SUBJECTIS. 



IN NOMINE SANCTISSIMI ET MAGNI ARCHITECTORIS UNIVERSI. 



Or do ab €hao. 



Probante, prsssenli, sanciente, Augusta Magestate Frederici (Caroli) 
secundi, Bovussi^ Regis, Margravii Brandeburgensis, &c., &c., (fee./ 
Potentissirai Monarchse, Magni Patroni, Magni Commendatoris, (fee, (fee, 
Ordinis, (fee, (fee. 

Magni Inspectores Suprerai Univevsales in Supremo Concilio habito. 

Deliberaverunt, sanciverunt que infra exarata Decreta, quae sunt, per- 
petuo que erunt, eorura Constilutiones, Statuta, et Regulae regendis con- 
sistoriis aliis que Societatibus Structoriis eorumdem Magnorum et Inspec- 
torum jurisdictioni subjectis. 

Article I. 

Constitutionum, Statutorura, Regularum que fVietorum anno 
MDCCLXII per novera Delegates a Magnis Conciliis Principum Struc- 
torum a Regio Arcano, Articuli omnes qui hisce non adversantur sanc- 
tionibus, servantur, et observandi erunt : qui autera advers^buntur, abro- 
gantur, et pro expresse sublatis habentur. 

1 It is asked why this parenthesis (Cnroli) is not found in the Institutes nor in the Ap 
pendix? 



260 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

' Article II. 

§1. Gradus XXXIII, iis Structoribus qui eo legitime ornati sunt, 
qualitatera, titulum, privilegium, auctoritatem que tribuit Supremorura 
Magnorum Generalium Ordinis Inspectorura. 

§2. Eorum Missionis peculiare officium est fratres docendi, et 
illuminandi : Caritatera, unionem, et fraternum amorem inter eos conser- 
vandi : Regularitatem in operibus cujus cumque gradus servandi, ut que 
ab aliis conservetur curandi ; Dogmata, Doctrinas, Instituta, Constitu- 
tiones, Statuta et Regulas Ordinis, ea prgecipue Sublimis Latomise, ut 
observantia colantur efficiendi, ea que in occasione qualibet servandi et 
defendendi; in operibus denique Pacis, et Misericordise se ubicumque 
exercendi ; 

§3. Ccetus virorum^ ex eodem gradu dictus " Concilium Trigesimi 
Tertii, sive Potentium Magnorum Generalium Inspectorum Ordinis con- 
stat, et ordinatus est prout infra :" 

lo. In locis aptis Supremo hujus gradus Concilio possidendo, illi ex 
Inspectoribus, qui sua admissione antiquissimus, per hsec decreta facultas 
tribuitur ad eum auctoritatis gradum alium fratrem elevandi, vadem se 
faciendo, quod is suis charactere, scientia, gradibus que id vere prome- 
ruerit ; electi que sacramentum is* excipiet. 

2o. Hi duo simul eumdem gradum alio viro' eadem lege tribuent. 

§4. Ita Su2oremum Concilium constabit. Ex coeteris aukra can- 
didatis, nemo adraittetur, nisi omnium sufFragiorum puncta tulerit, iis 
suffragiis ab uno quoque viva voce latis, incipiendo a ferentium juniore, 
nerape a nuperrirae omnium adscripto. 

Unius ex deliberantibus intercessio, si causa sufficiens judicabitur, 
candidatura rejiciendi vim habebit. In qualibet simili occasione hsec lex 
servabitur. 

Article III. 

§1. In ejus modi regione ut supra, qui duo primi in eum gradum 
cooptati fuerint, primarii duo officiales Supremi Concilii proprio jure 
erunt: Scilicet Potentissimus Monarcha, Magnus Commendator et 
Illustrissimus Vicarius Magnus Commendator. 

§2, Si eorum primus obeat, abdicet dignitatem, vel e loco nuraquara, 
rediturus migret, ei succedet secundus : is que in jam suum ofBcium 
alium Magnum Inspectorem sibi subrogabit. 

§3. Si secundus " Magistratus " officium dimittit, diem obit, vel 

1 Sic. 2 Sic. 3 Sic. 



, DOCUMENTS. 261 

perpetue absens fit, successionera in ejus officium, primys " Magistratus " 
alteri ejusdem gradus fratii destinabit. 

§4. Potentissimus Monarcha pariter eliget illustrem Ministrum 
Status Sancti Imperii, Illustrem coereraoniarum Magnum Magistrum, 
Illustrem custodiarum Ducem ; destinabit que eodem modo viros^ coeteris 
rauueribus quae vacua erunt, aut esse poterunt.'' 

Article IV. 

§1, Qnisque structor qui, dotibus, et idoneitate quce requiruntur, 
ornatus, in eura sublimem gradum adscribetur, solvet antea in manibus 
lUustrissimi Thesaurarii Sancti Imperi, Dotationem decern Fredericorum 
aureorum sive veterum aureorum Ludovicorum, aut quad in moneta 
loci tantumdem valeat.^ 

Quando Trigesimo gradui, vel Trigesirao prirao, vel Tiigesimo secundo 
aliquis fratrum initiabitur, ab eo pro quolibet gradu eadem pecunise sum- 
ma, iisdem modo et titulo exigetur. Supremum Concilium ad banc ad- 
mini^trationem advigilabit, summarum que usum pro Ordinis utilitate 
diriget. 

Article V. 

P. I. Supremum Concilium quodlibet constabit ex novem Magnis In- 
spectoribus Generalibus XXXIII gradus, quorum saltem quatuor, maxime 
extentan)* religionem profiteri debebiint. 

P. II. Ubi Potentissimus Monarcha Magnus Comraendator, et locum 
tenens Magnus Commendator, adsint, tribus membris Concilium Ordinis 
efiBcitur, satis que est ad Ordinis negotia gerenda. 

P. III. In Europse Magna quaque Natione, uno quoque Regno aut im- 
perio, unicum Supremum Concilium ejusdem gradus erit. 

In Statibus et Provinciis ex quibus tam in Continenti terra quara in 
insulis, Septentrionalis America constat, duo erunt Concilia, uuum ab 
altero tam longe sita, quam fieri poterit. 

Duo item in Statibus, Provinciis que seu in continenti terra, seu in 

1 .Sic. 

2 Tbus, we have nine Lords constituted for life by a Monarch, and the whole body of 
Free Masons subjected to their good pleasure ! No wonder Scotch Free Masonry has been 
avoided in the United States, under the efforts of the Jews of Charleston to foist a document 
of this kind upon the American people. 

3 That equivalent amounts to forty-eight dollars. 
* Calholicam. a. 

a This word is given by the authors of the Treaty of 1834, as a part of the above article, 
to be placed after the word "extentam," (Boudon's Edition, p. 59.) The Supreme Council of 
France certifies to that, under its seal ; and the Mini.ster of King Mackey at Ne.v Orleans, M, 
Claude Samory, in his address, informs all Scotch Masons of our Southern States, that they 
are bound by the Treaty of 1834. 



262 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

insulis Meridionalem Americam componentibus, duo quoque Concilia 
erunt, uniim ab altero quam fieri poterit remotissima. 

Unum tantum erit in quolibet Imperio, Statu Supremo, aut Regno in 
Asia, in Africa, &c., &c., &c. 

Article VI. 

Supremum concilium non semper auctoritatem suam directe exercet 
in gradus subter XVII, seu in Orientis et Occidentis Equites. Prout 
conveniet, et Secundum loca potest earn demandare, id que etiam tacite : 
sed suum jus imprsescriptibile : et a qualibet Latomiaet a concilio quolibet 
Perfectorum Structorum cujuscumque gradus fuerit, prsesentes requirunt 
ut in Trigesimi Tertii gradus viris^ munus Magnorum Generalium Ordinis, 
Inspectorum agnoscant, illorum prerogativas observent, debitum honorem 
illis tribuant, iis OBEDIANT, denique ut cum fiducia postulatis omnibus 
obsequantur, quae ab illis fieri poterint, pro Ordinis commoditate, in vim 
ejus legum, prsesentium Magnarum Constitutionum, munerum que iis 
Inspectoribus propriorum, sive Generalium, sive Specialium, Temporalium 
etiam et Personalium. 

Article VII. 

Omnia Concilia Structores que omnes in gradu supra XVI constituti, 
jus habent Supremum Concilium Supremorum Generalium Inspectorum 
appellandi ; quod permittere poterit appellantes prsesto adesse, prassentes 
que audiri. 

Ubi de honore contentio sit inter Structores, cujuscumque gradus sint, 
causa directe feretur ad Supremum Concilium qui^ in prima, eadem que 
ultima instantia judicabit. 

Article VIII. 

Magnum Consistorium Principum Structorum a Regis Arcano Trigesimi 
Secundi gradus virem ex proprio ordine in prsesidem sibi eliget : sed 
quocum que in casu ex ejus Consistorii actis nullum vim habebit nisi 
prsevia sanctione Supremi Concilii XXXIII gradus, qui Augustas Majes- 
tatis Rege, Potentissimo Monarcha, Commendatore Universali Ordinis 
vita functo, in Suprema Structoria auctoritate haeres erit, ad earn 
exercendam in amplitudine Status Regni, aut Imperii pro quo fuerit 
instituta. 

Article IX. 

In regione subjecta jurisdictioni Supremi Concilii, Supremorum Gener- 
alium Inspectorum debite constituti, ab aliis que omnibus recogniti, nuUus 
Supremus Magnus Inspector Generalis, aut delegatus Inspector Generalis 

1 Sic. 

2 SuPREMDM Concilium QUI ! After that, any kind of Dog Latin can pass. 



DOCUMENTS. 263 

sua auctoritate uti poterit, nisi ipse ab eodem Supremo Concilio recogni- 
tus, approbatus que fuerit. 

Article X. 
Nullus Deputatus Inspector Generalis, seu jam admissus et diplomate 
insignitus, seu qui juxta banc Constitutionem in posterum admittetur, 
poterit sua auctoritate conferre gradura Equitis Kadosch, seu superiorem 
illi vel de ea re Diplomata alicui, quicumque sit, concedere. 

Article XI. 
Gradum^ Equitis Kadosch, item XXXI et XXXII non trihuentur 
nisi Structoribus, qui eo digni fuerint judicati, prsesentibus que saltern 
tribus Supremis Magnis Inspectoribus Generalibus. 

Article XII. 

In eo pimcto teraporis in quo Sanctissimo Magno que Universi Archi- 
tecto placebit ad se vocare Augustas Majestatis Regem, Potentissimum 
Supremum Magnum Ordinis Patronum, Commendatorera, Verum que 
Conservatorera, (fee, &c., unura quodque Supremum Concilium Supre- 
morum Majorum Generalium Inspectorum, seu nunc debite constitutura et 
recognitum, seu quod in vim horem Statutorum institutum, recognitum que 
in posterum fuerit, fiet pleno jure legitime prasditus tota ilia structoria 
auctoritate quam nunc Augusta Majestas. Sua possidet : ea que auctori- 
tate Concilium quod que utetur cum opus fuerit, et ubi cumque, in tota 
amplitudine regionis suae jurisdictioni subjectse ; cum que vel quoad 
Diplomata, vel quoad auctoritatem Inspectorum Generalium Deputatorum, 
vel quoad aliud, causa ad protestandum de illegalitate emerget, relatio de 
hoc fiet, quae Supremis Conciliis Universis amborum Emispheriorum 
mittetur. 

Article XIII. 

P. I. Supremum Concilium XXXIII gradus poterit unum plures ve e 
suis membris Supremis Magnis Inspectoribus Generalibus Ordinis, legatos 
mittere fundatum, constitutum, firmatum Concilium ejusdera gradus in 
aliqua regionem in bisce Statutis descriptarum ; ea lege ut ii accurate 
pareant eo quod in tertio paragrapho praecedentis articuli Secundi decre- 
tum est, aliis que Constitutionis bujus sanctionibus. 

P. IT. Poterit- quoque eisdem Legatis focultatem tribuere emittendi 
Diplomata delegantia Deputatis Inspectoribus Generalibus (Saltern grandi- 
bus omnibus Equitis Kadosch, regulariter insignitis), partem plenarum 
facultatura, ut possint statuere, et observare Latomias, et Concilia a IVo, 

1 GraAum non trihuentur ! "What Barbarian wrote that Latin document? 



264 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

ad XX]Xum inclusive in locis ubi non erunt Sublimis gradus Latomise, 
vel Concilia legitime instituta. 

P. III. Rituale manusciiptura Sublimium graduum nernini alio 
ti'adetur quam duobus primis cujusque concilii officialibus ; vel fratri 
qui in aliquara regionem mittetur et eorumdem Concilium ibi instituat. 

Article XIV. 

In qualibet Sublimium graduum cereraonia Structoria, et solemni Viro- 
rum^ in iis gradibus constitutorum processu, Supremum Concilium coeteros 
sequetur, omnium que membrorum ultimi erunt primarii duo Magistratus : 
hos que Magnum Vexillum, et gladius Ordinis immediate prsecedent. 

Article XV. 

P. I. Supremum Concilium regulariter haberi debet per triduura quo 
tertium quodque Novilunium incij)it; frequentius convocabitur, si id 
negotia Oidinis postulent eorum que transactio urgeat. 

§2. Ultra Magnos Solemnes que festos Ordinis dies, Supremum Con- 
cilium quoque anno sibi peculiares tres sacros habebit: nempe Kalendas 
Octobris, Vigesimum Septimum Decembris, Kalendas que Majas. 

Article XVI. 

§1. Supremus quisque Inspector Magnus Generalis ut agnoscatur, 
privilegiis que XXXIII gradui annexis frui possit, proeditus erit Patenti- 
bus, et Credentialibus Litteris emissis ad normam prsescripti in ejusdem 
gradus Rituali: quse litterte ipsi tradentureaconditione ut solvat Thesauro 
Sancti Imperii petium quod Supremum Concilium, unum quodque pro 
sua jurisdictione, ubi primum institutum fuerit, taxabit. Solvet item is 
Magnus Supremus Inspector Generalis Illustri viro ab epistolis in 
prsemium laboris pro expeditione litterarum, et appositionis sigilli unum 
Frederic QM, sive veterem Ludovicum, vel id pecunise, quod in moneta 
loci tantumdem valeat. 

§2. Quilibet Magnus Inspector Generali babebit insuper suorum 
actorum codicem, cujus quseque pagina numero distincta sit : prima in- 
super atque ultima speciali adnotatione talis esse designabuntur. In 
eo codice inscribi debebunt Magnss Constitutiones, Statuta, et Generales 
Regulse Sublimis Structorise Artis. 

Inspector ipse tenebitur ad ordinate describendum in eo omnia sua 
acta, subpoena nullitatis, atque etiam interdictionis. 

Deputati Inspectores Generales ad id, sub poenis iisdem tenentur. 

§3. Ipsi sibi mutuo ostendent Codices et Diplomata, in iis que adno- 
tabunt loca ubi unus alteri occurrerrit, et se invicera recognoverint. 



DOCUMENTS. 265 

Article XVII, 
Majori sufFragiorum numero est opus ad tribuendam legalem auctori- 
tatem actis Supreraorum Majorum^ Generalium Inspectorum, in eo 
loco ubi extet Supreraura Concilium XXXIII gradus, legitime institutura 
et recognitum. Qua propter, in ea regione, vel eo territorio qui ab ejus 
modi Concilio dependeat, nemo eorum Inspectorum sua auctoritate sin- 
gulariter uti poterit, nisi in casu quo ab eodein Supremo Concilio faculta- 
tem iinpetraverit, vel, si Inspector ad aliam jurisdictionem pertineat, non 
obtinuerit admissionem eo rescripto, quod a formula " Exequatur" nomen 
habet. 

AHicIe XVIII 
Summae omnes ad expensas subeundas receptee (Tributa nempe pro 
admissione) quae titulo initiationis gradibus Supra XVI ad XXXIIl 
inclusum, exiguntur, mittentur in Thesaurum sancti Imperii curaiitibus 
prsesidibus, et Thesanrariis Conciliorum, Subliraium que Latoniiorum 
eorumdem graduum Supremis Magnus Inspectoribus Generalibus, eorem 
que Deputatis, nee non illustri viro a Secretis, Illustri que Thesaurario 
Sancti Imperii. 

Earum summarum administratio et usus dirigentur et observabuntur a 
Supremo Concilio; quod efficiet ut quoque anno rationes fideliter abso- 
lute que ei reddantur : has que communicari curabit societatibus omnibus 
ab eo dependentibus. 

Deliberatura, Actum, Sancitum in Magno et Supremo Con- 
cilio XXXIIl gradus debite instituto, indicto, atque babito cum 
probatione et prsesentia Augustissimse Majestatis, Frederici, 
nomine Secundi, Deo favente. Regis BorussisB, Margravii 
Brandeburgi, etc., etc., etc., Potentissimi Monarchse, Mngni 
Patroni, Magni Commendatoris, Magni Magistri Universalis, 
veri que conservatoris Ordinis. 
Kalendis Maji A. L. IqoDCCLXXXVI et a Christo nato 
MDCCLXXXVL 
\Sub^cri^ium^ 

— "STAPvK"— 

— '' H. WILHELM "~ 
— " WGELLNER," 

ci =k " 

1 Here we have again those Greater Inspectors [Majorum) in opposition to the Great 
ones (Afagnorum) — and I again ask where those greater Sires can be found. 

* Vide notam in fixe. — Tliis note ia a part of the Treaty of 1834, and refers to the aster- 
isks which occupy the places of the defaced and absent signatures at the foot of the Constitu- 
tions of 1786. The reader will soon be acquainted with it. 





(( 


rfj r 


i % " 


K 

a 


* r 




* 1 


-" D'ESTERNO," 







SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Approbatum datum que in nostra Regali Residentia Berolini, 
Kalendis Maji Anno Gratise MDCCLXXXVI, Nostri que 
Regni XLVII. 
[Suhscriptum,] FREDERICUS. 



L. S. 



DOCUMENTS. 267 

APPEjYDIX 



AD 



STATUTA FUiNDAMENTALIA MAGNJ]' 

QUE CONSTITUTIONES 

'upitmi Coitnlii Cngesimi l^tilii iraks. 



Article I. 
Vexillum Ordinis est Argenteum* circuradatum aurea fimbria, habens 
in medio bicipitem aquilam nigram, alas tenentera extensas, habentem 
aureum rostrum, aurea crura, distringens^ que altero pede aureum capul- 
um, altero ferrum antiqui gladii juxta horizontis directionem jacentis et e 
dextra in sinistram versi : ab hoc gladio pendet latina inscriptio " Deus 
Meumque Jus " aureis litteris eflfecta. Aquila pro corona aureum triangu- 
lum, taeniam habet purpuream cum aurea fimbria, aureis que astris. 

Article II. 
Insignia distinguentia Magnos Inspectores Generales, sunt : 
lo. Crux Teutonica rubri coloris, sinistro pectoris lateri affixa : 
2o. Major funiculus albus superficie undulate micante, aureo intextus, 
gerens in anteriori parte aureum triangulum. aureis radiis micans, quod 
habet in centro, notam XXXIII, atque hinc unum argenteum gladiura, 
inde alterum, ex superioribus lateribus trianguli versus centrum directos. 
Funiculus hie e dextro humero ad Isevum progrediens, terminatur acumine 
cum aurea fimbria, et habente in medio Taeniam coccinei* sinopis que* 
coloris, in rotundam formam versa, tenens que^ communia Insignia 
Ordinis. 

do. Insignia haec sunt : Aquila Similis illi quae iu vexillo est : coronatur 
Aquila Aureo Borussiae Diademate. 

4o. Alajora insignia Ordinis afiQguntur Supra Crucem Teutonicam : 
sunt que astrum novem habens acumina, ut pote effectum tribus aureis 
triangulis, unum alteri superimpositis et simul intextis. Ex inferiori 
parte sinistri lateris versus superiorem dextri gladius procedit : in op- 

1 Appendix AD Magnae ! ! Splendid Latin. 

2 AQCILA3I DiSTRiNGEXS 1 1 Where are Virgil and Cicero? 

3 ToENiAM VERSA TENENS QUE? In all conscience could Frederic II. endorse such 
barbarisms ? 

* AlLum. This note is a part of the appendix. 

* Eubri. Tlii.s note is a part of the appendix. 

* Prasini que 'I'his note is part of the appendix. 



268 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

posita directione est manus quae Justitice vocatur. In medio Scutum 
Ordinis, cyaneum et in eo Aquila similis illi quae in vexillo est, Jiabens 
que in dextro latere auream libram, et in sinistro aureum Ciicinura, 
aurae normae intextum. Circa totum scutum percurrit fascia cjanea 
cum aurea iriscriptione latina : '* Oiino Ab Chao " quae fascia hinc inde 
comprehenditur duobus circulis effectis ex duobus aureis anguibus, imo 
quoque caudam sibi raordente. Ex minoribus triangulis ab iutersectione 
majorum genitis, ea novem quae fasciae propinquiora sunt, rubrum colorem 
habent, et eorum unum quodque gerit unam ex litteris quae verbum 
S. A. P. L E. N. T. I. A., efficiunt. 

00. Tres primi officiales Supremi Concilii gerunt insuper, album balteum 
(hoc est fasciam) auream fimbriam habentem, et a dextro latere depen- 
dentera. 

Article III. 

Magnum Sigillum Ordinis est scutum argenteum gerens Aquilam bici- 
pitem sirailem illi quae in vexillo Ordinis est, coronatam quidem aureo 
Borussiae Diademate, super quod est aureum triangulum radians babens 
in medio notam XXXIII : etiana potest Aquila aut coronam aut trian- 
gulum tantum super se habere. 

In inferori scuti parte, sub alis pedibus que aquilse sunt aureae triginta 
tres Stellae in serai clrculum dispositae. 

Totum circumdatum est inscriptione "Supremum Concilium XXXIII 

gradus in v. . ." 

Actum in Supremo Concillio XXXIII gradus, die, mense, 
anno que ut supra.^ 

l^Subscriptum,^ 

" * '^ —"STARK,"— 

" ^ " — " D'ESTERNO,"— 

" * " — " H. WILHELM,"— 

*'....'*...." '' D " 

« * " — " WOELLNER."— . 

Approbatum, 
[Suhscriptum,^ FREDERICUS. 
[L- B] 

1 There is no date above or below. 

* Vide not^m in fine. This note is a part of the Treaty of 1834, and refers to the aster- 
isks which occupy the place of missing signatures at the foot of the appendix, and has for its 
objf-ct to explain how and why those signatures are not given with regard to both the appen- 
dix and the Constitutions, and reads as follows : 

"The asterisks serve to designate the places of tho^e signatures that have become illegible, 
or effaced by the friction, or the sea water, to which the original written parchment, has been 
accidentally exposed on several occasions. 

"This precious manuscript is now deposited with the archives of one of the confederated 
Supreme Councils, and its future preservation is therefore assured." 



DOCUMENTS. 269 

TRANSLA TION. 



OF 



lefo %tm\ f itstitute^ aiiir ^m% 

OF THE MOST AXCIEXT AXD MOST WOESIIIPFUL SOCIETY OF 

ANCIENT AND ASSOCIATED FREE MASONS, WHICH IS 

STYLED THE EOYAL AND MILITARY ORDER OF 

THE FREE ART OF WORKING IN STONE. 



We, Frederick, by the Grace of God, King of Prussia, Margrave of 
Bradenburg, &c., &c., Supreme Grand Protector, Grand Commatider, 
Universal Grand Master, and Defender of the Most Ancient and Hon- 
orable Society of Ancient Free and Associated Masons or Builders, or 
of the Royal and Military Order of the Free Art of Working in Stone, 
or of Free Masonry. 

To all Illustrious and Beloved Brethren to whom these presents 
shall come : 

mwmt 

ir®!L!i[Bii'irfl®!ai) [f>[E®§ll>[i!B[l!i'V» 

We hold it to be certain and undeniable, that the high duty of pro- 
tection which v^Q have assumed towards that most Ancient and Worship- 
ful Institution, known in this age as the Fraternity of the Free Art of 
working in Stone, or the Order of Free and Associated Masons, has 
caused us, as is known to all men, to guard it with the most scrupulous 
care. 

That universal institution, whose origin goes back to the origin of hu- 
man society, is pure in Dogma and Doctrine, wise, prudent and moral in 
its teachings, its practice, its purposes and its measures, and especially 
commends itself by its philosophical, social and humane design. For that 
design is the harmony, the happiness, the progress and ihe well being of 
the human family as a whole, and of every man as an individual : where- 
fore it should hopefully, and with a constant resolution, use every exertion 
to attain that end, which alone it regards as worthy of itself. 

But in the progress of time, the organic symmetry of Masonry, and 
the unity of its primitive regimen have been greatly departed from, by 
those great commotions and changes in human affairs, that have over- 



2Y0 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

turned the world, or disturbed it with constant change ; and which at 
different periods, in Ancient times and in our own, have dispersed the 
Ancient Masons over all the earth. This dispersion has produced systems 
varying from each other, which still exist, and are styled Rites ; the 
aggregate whereof composes the Order. 

But still other divisions springing from the first, caused the constitution 
of new associations, most of which have nothing whatever in common 
with the Liberal Art of Free Masonry, except the name of some forms 
preserved by their founders to keep secret their purposes — purposes often 
exclusive, sometimes dangerous, and almost always opposed to the tra- 
ditional principles and Sublime doctrines of Free Masonry. 

The well known dissensions which those new associations excited and 
long kept alive in the Order, exposed it to the suspicion and distrust of 
aloiost all Monarchs, and to the cruel persecutions of some. 

By the exertions of those Masons most eminent in virtue, these dissen- 
sions have been settled, and all have long and ardently desired that there 
should be a general consultation in regard thereto, and that the recurrence 
of like disorders should be prevented, and the Order maintained, by 
restoring to it the unity of its original regimen, and of the pristine com- 
position of its organs as well as its ancient discipline. 

While sharing these desires, which we have felt from the period when 
we were fully initiated into the Mysteries of Free Masonry, still we could 
not conceal from ourselves either the number, nature, or true magnitude 
of the obstacles that must be removed before those desires can be fulfilled. 
We thought of taking the first step towards effecting the desired object, 
by taking counsel with the wisest and most eminent members of the Fra- 
ternity in every country, as to the measures most suitable to be adopted 
in order to attain the end desired, without doing violence to the wishes of 
any one, and in no wise interfering with that liberty that is the heritage 
of Masons, and especially the right of private judgement, which, of all 
rights, is first and most sacred, and most jealous of any encroachment. 

Hitherto, the duties of the Royal ofSce, that have in an especial man- 
ner weighed on us, and the very many and grave events that have marked 
the course of our reign, have made this our intention ineffectual, and de- 
terred us from its performance. The completion and perfection of so 
great and beautiful, so just and necessary a work, must needs await the 
leisure, the wisdom, the knowledge, and the zeal of the brethren who 
shall come after us. To them we bequeath the task, urging them to 
labor thereat unintermittedly, but slowly, and with a prudent caution. 

But recent and urgent representations, which of late have reached us 



DOCUMENTS. 271 

from every quarter, have satisfied us of the urgent necessity of erecting a 
strong barrier against that spirit of intolerance, sectarianism, schism and 
anarchy, which late innovators are busily laboring to introduce among the 
brethren, aiming at objects more or less narrow, inconsiderate or repre- 
hensible, and proposed for specious reasons, and which, by changing the 
nature of the True Art of Free Masonry, necessarily tend to lead it astray, 
and may thus bring the Order into general contempt, and lead to its 
extinction. And we, advised of what is now passing in the neighboring 
kingdoms, cannot but admit the existence of this urgent and pressing 
necessity. 

Wherefore these reasons, and other considerations of no less weight-, 
impel us to collect together and unite into one body and Art of Masonry, 
all the Rites of the Scottish regimen, the doctrines whereof are generally 
acknowledged to be in the main the same as those institutions which tend 
to a common centie ; and which, while only the main branches of one 
and the same tree, diflfer so much from one another in their formulas, now 
widely diffused, and yet may be so easily reconciled. These Rites are 
those known under the several names of the Ancient, that of Heredom or 
Hairdom, that of the Orient of Kiliuinning, that of ^S'^. Andrew, that of 
the Emperors of the East and West, that of the Princes of the Royal 
Secret, or of Perfection, the Philosophic Rite, and that most recent rite of 
all, known as Primceval. 

Wherefore, adopting, as the basis of our conservative reformation, the title 
of the first of those rites, and the number of degrees of the hierarchy of 
the last, We do declare them all to be now, and henceforth, united and 
aggregated into one single Order, which, professing the Dogma and the 
pure and undefiled doctrines of the Ancient Art of Masonry, embraces 
all the systems of the Scottish Rite, united together under the title of 
"The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite." 

The entire doctrine will be communicated to Masons in thirty-three de- 
grees divided into seven temples, or classes, through all which every 
Mason must pass in regular succession, before he can arrive at the most 
Sublime and last, and in each degree he will meet such obstructions, and 
undergo such trials, as are required by the institutes, decrees and regula- 
tions, old and new, of the Order and of Perfection. 

The first degree is subject to the second, that to the third, and so 
ascending regularly to the Sublime degree, (the Thirty-third and last) 
which watches over all the others, corrects their errors and governs them ; 
and a body or assembly whereof will be a Grand Supreme Council ab- 
solute in matters of doctrine. Defender and Conservator of the Order, 



272 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

which it will rule and administer in accordance with the existing Consti- 
tutions, and those presently to be enacted. 

All the degrees of all the Rites hereb}'^ united, from tlie first to the 
eighteenth, inclusive, will be arranged among the degrees of the Rite of 
Perfection, each in its proper place and order, and as analogy and simili- 
tude require, and will compose the eighteen first degrees of the Ancient 
Accepted Scottish Rite. The Nineteenth degree and the Twenty-third 
degree of the Primceval rite, will be the Twentieth degree of the Order; 
the Twentieth and Twenty-third degrees of Perfection, or the Sixteenth 
and Twenty-fourth of Primaeval Rite, will be the Twenty-first and Twen- 
ty-eighth of the Order. The Princes of the Royal Secret will be placed 
in the Thirty-second degree, under the Sovereign Grand Inspectors Gene- 
ral, who constitute the Thirty-third and last degj'ee of the Order; the 
Thirty-first shall be the degree of Sovereign Judges Commanders ; the 
Sovereign Commanders, Sovereign Knights Elect Kadosch, shall consti- 
tute the Thirtieth degree ; the Twenty-third, Twenty-ninth, Twenty-fifth, 
Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh and Twenty-ninth degrees shall be formed 
of the Chiefs of the Tabernacle, Princes of the Tabernacle, Knights of the 
Brazen Serpent, Princes of Grace, Sovereign Grand Commanders of the 
Temple, and Sovereign Scottish Knights of St. Andrew. 

All the Sublime degrees of the said several aggregated Scottish Rites, 
will, according to analogy or identity, be distributed among the classes of 
their Order, which correspond to the regimen of the Ancient Accepted 
Scottish Rite. 

But never, nor under any pretext whatever, can any one of those Sub- 
lime degrees be assimilated to the Thirty-third and most Sublime degree 
of Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Protector and Conservator of the 
Order, and the last degree of the same Ancient Accepted Scottish 
Rite : in no case can any other person enjoy those rights, prerogatives, 
privileges and powers wherewith we do invest those Inspectors. 

And we do so institute them in the activity of such Supreme and Con- 
servative powers. 

And to the end that all hereof may remain fixed and unchanged, we 
do command all our Well Beloved, Valiant and Noble Masonic Knights 
and Princes, to support and maintain the same. 

Done at our Royal residence in Berlin, this first day of May, in the 
year of Grace, 1*786, and of our reign the 4'7th. 

Signed, Frederick. 



DOCUMENTS. 273 



UNIVERSI TERRARUM ORBIS SUlllII ARCIIITECTORIS GLORIA AB 
INGEiMlS. 

COJYSTITUTIOJYS AJYD STATUTES 

OF THE 

COMPOSED OF 

GRA^^D INSPECTORS GEXERAL, PATROA^S, CHIEFS, AND 
CONSERVATORS 

OF THE 

ORDER OF THE 33^ 

AND LAST DEGREE OE THE ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE, 

AND 

REGULATIONS 

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF ALL CONSISTORIES, COUNCILS, COL- 
LEGES, CHAPTERS AND OTHER MASONIC BODIES, UN- 
DER THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COUNCILS. 



5n t|e Ksi^? rl t|^ §^nt |^S)fe m^ ^tm^ ^^u^Utt d tie fcitmesr^e. 



Ordo ah €hao. 



With the approval, in the presence, and with the sanction of his August 
Majest}^ Frederic, (Charles) the Second, King of Prussia, Margrave of 
Brandenburg, etc.. Most Potent Monarch, Grand Patron, Grand Com- 
mander, etc., of the Order, etc. 

The Grand Supreme Universal Inspectors in Supreme Council assembled, 
have determined and ordained the decrees hereinunder written, which are, 
and forever shall be, their Constitutions, Statutes and Regulations, for 
the government of the Consistories and other Masonic bodies, under the 
jurisdiction of the said Grand Inspectors. 

Article First 
All the articles of the Constitutions, Statutes and Regulations made in 
the year 1762 by the nine delegates from the Grand Councils of Princes 



274 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Masons of the Royal Secret, whicli are not contrary to these present 

-ordinances, are preserved in full force and shall be observed, but such as 

conflict herewith are abrogated, and to be regarded as expressly repealed. 

Article Second. 

§ I. The Thirty-third degree invests those Masons who are legitimately 
iu possession thereof, with the character, title, privileges and authority of 
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Order. 

§ 11. The peculiar duties entrusted to them are, to preserve Charity, 
Union and Brotherly Love among them, to maintain regularity in the 
work of every degree, and to take care that it is maintained by others ; 
to see that the Dogmas, Doctrines, Institutes, Constitutions, Statutes and 
Regulations of the Order, and especially those of Sublime Masonry are 
faithfully observed and obeyed, and on every occasion to enforce and 
defend them, and every where, in fine, to do the works of peace and 
mercy. 

§ III. A body of men of that degree, styled A Council of the Thir- 
ty-third, or of Potent Grand Insjpectors of the Order, is constituted 
and composed as follows : 

In places where a Supreme Council of this degree may properly be 
established, authority is by these Decretals given to that Inspector who 
has been longest admitted, to elevate another brother to the same degree 
and rank, he becoming the surety of such brother, that by his character 
and learning, and by the degree that he possesses, he deserves such honor, 
and thereupon the latter shall take the oath of office. 

II. Then these two, in the same manner, jointly confer the same degree 
on another person. 

§ IV. And thus a Supreme Council will be established. But of the 
subsequent candidates, no one will be admitted except by unanimous 
vote, each person voting viva voce, beginning with the junior member — 
that is, the one last received. The negative vote of one of the Inspectors, 
if the cause assigned therefor shall be adjudged sufficient, shall reject the 
candidate. And this shall be the rule in all similar cases. 

Article Third. 

§ I. The two brethren who first receive that degree, in such a place as 
aforesaid, shall be of right, the two first Officers of the Supreme Council, 
to wit., The Most Potent Monarch Grand Commander, and the Most 
Illustrious Deputy Grand Commander. 

§ II. If the former of these Officers die, resign or remove from the 
place, without the intention of returning, the latter shall succeed to his 



DOCUMENTS. 275 

office, and shall thereupon appoint another Grand Inspector .to fill his 
own place thus vacated. 

§ III. If such second Officer resign, die or permanently remove, the 
first Officer shall fill the vacancy so occurring, by appointment of another 
brother of the same degree. 

§ IV. The Most Potent Monarch will also appoint the Illustrious Min- 
ister of State of the Holy Empire, the Illustrious Grand Master of Cere- 
monies, and the Illustrious Captain of the Guards, and fill such other 
offices by appointment, as are, or may become, vacant. 

Article Fourth, 

Every Mason, who, being found to possess the endowments and skill 
that are required, shall be advanced to that Sublime degree, shall first 
pay into the hands of the Most Illustrious Treasurer of the Holy Empire, 
a donation of ten Fredericks cfor^ or ten Louis d'or of the old issue, or 
what, in the local currency, shall be equivalent thereto. 

Whenever any brother is initiated into the Thirtieth, Thirty-first or 
Thirty-second degree, he shall be required to pay, for each such degree, 
the same sum of money in the same coin or its equivalent. 

The Supreme Council will administer the fund thus created, and 
direct its use in such manner as shall be most to the advantage of the 
Order, 

Article Fifth. 

§ I. Every Supreme Council shall consist of nine Grand Inspectors 
General of the Thirty-third degree, four of whom, at least, must profess 
the religion that most generally prevails in the particular country where 
it is established. [See Note, page 280,] 

§ 11. \Yhen the Most Potent Sovereign Grand Commander, and the 
Deputy Grand Commander of the Order arc present, three membeis will 
constitute a Council, competent to transact the business of the Order. 

§ III. In each of the Grand Nations of Europe, whether Kingdom or 
Empire, there shall be but a single Supreme Council of the Thirty-third 
degree. In all those States and Provinces, as well of the main land as 
of the islands, whereof North America is composed, there shall be two 
Councils, one at as great a distance as may be from the other. In all 
those States and Provinces also, whether of the main land or the islands, 
whereof South America is composed, there shall be two Councils, one at 
as great a distance as possible from the other. Likewise there sliall be 
one only in each Empire, Supreme State or Kingdom, in Asia, in Africa, 
&c., &c. 



276 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Article Sixth. 
A Supreme Council need not always exercise its authority directly over 
the degrees below the Seventeenth, or Knights of the East and West. 
When convenience and locality make it proper, it may delegate that 
power of government, and that even tacitly and by implication ; but there 
can be no prescription against its right ; and these presents do require of 
every Lodge and Council of Perfect Masons, of whatever degree, that in 
those who have attained the Thirty-third degree, they recognize their 
rank and office of Grand Inspectors General of the Order, that they do 
respect their prerogatives, pay them due honor, be obedient to them and 
readily comply with whatever they may require, for the good of the 
Order, to enforce its laws, these present Grand Constitutions, and the 
powers that to those Inspectors appertain, whether general or special, and 
even temporary and personal. 

Article Seventh. 
All Councils, and all bodies of Masons possessed of any degree above 
the Sixteenth, have the right to appeal to the Supreme Council of Sove- 
reign Inspectors General, which may allow the appellants to come before 
it, and being present, to be heard. In case of any affair of honor among 
Masons of whatever degree, the matter shall be directly brought before 
the Sap'eme Council^ whose jurisdiction in such case shall be original, 
and its decision final. 

Article Eighth. 

Grand Consistories of Princes Masons of the Royal Secret, of the Thir- 
ty-second degree, shall elect for their President one of their own members, 
but in no case can any of the Decretals of anj^ such Consistory be in 
force, without the previous sanction of the Supreme Council of the Thirty- 
third degree, each of which Councils, upon the decease of his August 
Majesty, the King, now the Most Potent Sovereign and Universal Com- 
mander of THE Order, will succeed to the Supreme Masonic authority, 
and exercise the same throughout the whole extent of the State, King- 
dom or Empire wherefor it is constituted. 

Article Ninth. 

In a country under the jurisdiction of a Supreme Council of Sovereign 
Grand Inspectors General, which has been duly constituted, and is recog- 
nized by all the other Councils, no Sovereign Grand Inspectors General or 
Deputy Inspector General can exercise his individual powers, unless he shall 
have been recognized and confirmed by such Supreme Council. 



DOCUMENTS. 277 

Ariide Tenth. 

No Deputy Inspector General, whether heretofore admitted as such 
and f'urni>hed with his Diploma, or whether hereafter admitted, agreeably 
to this Constitution, can, of his own individual authority, confer the de- 
gree of Knight Kadosch, or any degree higher than that, or grant to 
any person whatever, the Diploma of either such degree. 
Article Eleventh. 

The degree o^ Knight Kadosch, and the Thirty-first and Thirty-second 
degrees, can only be conferi-ed on such Masons as shall have been ad- 
judged worthy thereof, and at a meeting of, and by, at least three Sove- 
reign Grand Inspectors General. 

Article Twelfth. 

At whatever moment it shall please the Most Holy and Grand Architect 
of the Universe to take to himself, His August Majesty, the King, the 
Most Potent Sovereign, Grand Patron, Commander and True Defender 
of THE Order, &c., &c., each Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand 
Inspectors General, whether now duly constituted and recognized, or 
which may hereafter, by virtue of these Statutes, be constituted and 
recognized, will, of full right, become possessed of the entirety of that 
Masonic authority wherewith His August Majesty is now invested, and 
each may thenceforward exercise that authority whenever necessarj'^, and 
every where soever, throughout the whole extent of country under its 
jurisdiction ; and whenever there may be occasion for protest, or grounds 
of illegality, in regard to Diplomas, or to the authority of Deputy Inspec- 
tors General, or to any other matter or thing, let a statement thereof be 
drawn up and transmitted to all the Supreme Councils of both hemis- 
pheres. 

Article Thirteenth. 

§ I. Each Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree may delegate 
one or more of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Order, its 
members, to found, constitute, and establish a Council of the same degree 
in any of the countries mentioned in the Statutes ; those Deputies 
punctually obeying the law contained in the third paragraph of the pre- 
cedinrr Article Second, and the other provisions of this Constitution. 

§ n. Each such Supreme Council may also authorize such Deputies to 
grant Diplomas, delegating to Deputy Inspectors General, who must 
regularly have received all the degrees, at least of which a Knight 
Kadosch should be possessed, so much of their plenary powers, as may 
enable them to establish, regulate and superintend Lodges and Councils 



278 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

in any of the degrees, from the Fourth to the Twenty-ninth inclusive, in 
places where there are no Lodges or Councils of the Sublime degree^ 
legally constituted. 

§ III. The manuscript Ritual of the Sublime degrees shall be entrusted 
only to the two highest officers of each Council, or to a brother com- 
missioned to establish elsewhere a Council of those degrees. 
Article Fourteenth. 

In every Masonic ceremony of the Sublime degrees, and every solemn 
procession of those invested with such degrees, the Supreme Council is in 
the rear, and the two highest officers in the rear of all the members ; 
with the great Banner and the Sword of the Order immediately pre- 
ceding them. 

Article Fifteenth. 

§ I. A Supreme Council should regularly be held during the three 
days wherewith each third new moon commences ; and will be more fre- 
quently convened, if the business of the Order, to be transacted require 
it. 

§ 11. In addition to the great and solemn feast days of the Order, 
each Supreme Council will have three sacred days in every year, peculiar 
to itself — the 1st of October, the 27th of December, and the 1st of May. 
Article Sixteenth. 

§ I. That each Sovereign Grand Inspector General may be recognized, 
and be enabled to enjoy the privileges attached to the Thirty-third de- 
gree, he shall be furnished with Patents and Letters of Credence issued in 
the form prescribed in the Ritual of that Degree, which letters will be 
given him, on paying into the Treasury of the Holy Empire, such sum as 
each Supreme Council may fix for its jurisdiction, immediately after its 
establishment. Such Sovereign Grand Inspector General will also pay to 
the Illustrious Secretary, as his fee for expediting the letters and affixing 
the Seal, a Frederick d'or or a Louis d'or of the old issue, or so much 
in the currency of the place as may be equivalent thereto. 

§ 11. Every Grand Inspector General will moreover keep a Register of 
his acts, each page whereof will be separately and regularly numbered, 
and the first and last pages be designated as such. In this Register 
must be copied the Grand Constitutions, Statutes and General Regulations 
of the Sublime Art of Masonry. 

Each Inspector must enter in his Register every thing done by him in 
its regular order, on pain of nullity and even of interdict. Deputy In- 
spectors General are bound to do the same, under the same penalty. 



DOCUMENTS. 279 

§ III. They will mutually exhibit to each other their Registers and 
Patents, and note in their respective Registers the place where one meets 
the other, and where they recognize each other. 
Article Seventeenth. 

It requires a majority of votes to invest with legal authority the acts of 
individual Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, done in a jurisdiction" 
where there exists a Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree, dull/ 
constituted and recognized. Wherefore, in whatever region or territory 
is of the Dependencies of such a Council, no such Inspector can individu- 
ally exercise any power unless he has first obtained authority from such 
Supreme Council ; or if he belong to another jurisdiction, until he has 
been empowered by that authorization, which, from its phraseology, is 
termed an Exequatur. 

Article Eighteenth. 

All monies received as revenue — to wit., the fees for conferring the de- 
grees — and which are demandable for such degrees from the Sixteenth to 
the Thirty-third, inclusive, shall be deposited in the Treasury of the Holy 
Empire, in the custody and care of the Presiding Officers and Treasurers 
of the Councils and Sublime Lodges of those degrees, and the Sovereign 
Grand Inspectors General and their Deputies, the Illustrious Secretary 
and the Illustrious Treasurer of the Holy Empire. 

The disbursement and expenditure of such monies are to be directed 
and controled by the Supreme Council^ which will see to it, that full and 
correct accounts thereof are rendered in each year ; and those accounts 
it will cause to be communicated to all its subordinate bodies. 

Settled, Done and Ratified, in Grand and Supreme Council of the 
Thirty-third degree, duly constituted, convoked, and held ; present and 
approving His August Majesty, Frederick the Second, by the Grace of 
God, King of Prussia, Margrave of Brandenburg, <fec., &c., &c., Most 
Potent Sovereign, Grand Patron, Grand Commander, Universal Grand 
Master, and True Defender of the Order. The first day of May, A. L., 
5786, and C. E., 1786. 

Signed, 

« * " — " STARK "— 

" * -" " * " — " H. WILHELM "— 

" * " — " WOELLNER," 



— "D'ESTERNO," 



280 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Approved and done at our Royal Residence in Berlin, the first day of 
May, in the year of Grace, 1786, and of our reign the 47. 
Signed, 

FREDERICK. 



L. S. 



NOTE TO ARTICLE FIFTH. 

The reader will remember that this translation of the Secret Constitution is 
copied from Albert Pikes' edition, and, as has been remarked before, does not 
agree either with the Latin text here given, or with the following published 
copies — 

In the edition of Setier, '^Recuell des Ads du Supreme Conseil de France" 
the Article reads thus : 

Art. Y. " Every Supreme Council is composed of nine Inspectors General, 
of whom five must profess the Christian Religion." 

In the edition of J. A. Boudon, published by order of the Supreme Council 
of France, 1836 : 

"Each Supreme Council shall be composed of nine Inspectors General of 
the Thirty-third degree, four of whom, at least, shall profess the most extensive 
(Catholic) religion." 

Here are only a few copies cited. And these are all at variance, not only 
in this particular and very important point, but in many others. In fact there 
are scarcely two copies to be found alike, each party '■'■filling in " the various 
particulars to suit his own fancy. The translation of the Secret Constitution 
here given by Brother Pike, may be considered a very free interpretation. — 
\_Author. 



DOCUMENTS. 281 



APPENDIX 

TO 

THE FUNDAMENTAL STATUTES 

AND 

GRAND CONSTITUTIONS 

OF THE 

SttpKine Cmtirril of % Cljirtir-tljirb '§qxtt. 

Article First. 
The Banner of the Order is Argent (white) bordered witli a fringe of 
gold, and having in the centre a double headed black eagle, its wings dis- 
played, beaks and legs " or," holding with one claw the hilt, " or," and 
with the other the blade, steel, of a sword placed horizontally, hilt to the 
right and point to the left. Frona the sword hangs, lettered, " or,^^ the 
motto, in Latin, " Deus Meumque Jus." The eagle is crowned with a 
triangle of gold, and a purple fillet, fringed and starred with gold. 

Article Second. 

The distinctive insignia of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General are : 

First^ A red Teutonic Cross worn over the left breast. 

Second^ A broad white watered ribbon, bordered with gold, and having 
on the front a golden triangle, glittering with rays of gold, in the centre 
whereof is the number " 33," and on each side of the upper angle of the 
triangle is a sword of silver pointing towards its centre. The ribbon worn 
from the right shoulder to the left hip, ends in a point, with gold fringe, 
and has at the junction, a rosette of crimson and leek green ribbon, whereon 
is the general jewel of the Order. 

Third, This jewel is an eagle, like that on the banner, wearing the 
golden diadem of Prussia. 

Fourth, The grand decorations of the Order rest on a Tuetonic 
Cross. They are, a nine pointed star, formed by three triangles of gold, 
one upon the other and interlaced. From the lower part of the left side 
towards the upper part of the right, extends a sword, and in the opposite 
direction, a hand of Justice. In the middle is the shield of the Order, 
azure ; upon the shield is an eagle, like that on the banner ; on the dex- 



282 



SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



ter side of the shield is a golden balance, and on the sinister a golden 
compass resting on a golden square. Around the whole shield runs a 
strip of azure, lettered in gold with the Latin words, " Ordo ab Chad," 
and this stripe is enclosed by a double circle, formed by two serpents of 
gold, each holding his tail in his mouth. Of the smaller triangles formed 
by the intersection of the principal ones, those nine that are nearest the 
azure stripe are colored red, and on each is one of the letters 
S. A. P. I. E. N. T. I. A. 

Fifth, The first three Officers of the Supreme Council wear also a 
white scarf, or sash, fringed with gold, hanging from the right side. 

Article Third. 

The great Seal of the Order is a silver shield, bearing a double headed 
eagle, like that upon the banner of the Order, but crowned with the 
golden diadem of Prussia, and over that a triangle of gold, emitting rays, 
and in its centre the number 33. The eagle may, however, be surmounted 
by either the crown or triangle alone. 

At the base of the shield, under the wings and claws of the eagle, are 
thirty-three golden stars in a serai-circle. Around the whole is this 
inscription, *' Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree for — 

Done in Supreme Council of the Thirty-third degree, the day, month, 
and year abovementioned. 
Signed, 

—"STARK,"— 

— " D'ESTERNO,"— ' 

— " H. WILHELM,"— 

— «D,"— 

—" WCELLNER."— 

FREDERICK. 



« 


* " 


« 


* » 


« 


* 11 


(( 


* 11 


(C 


^ 11 



Approved, 



Signed, 



\-\ 



Note. The asterisks mark the places of certain signatures that have become illegible or been 
effaced by attrition, or by the effect of sea water, to which the original duplicate of these docu- 
ments, written on parchment, has several times been accidentally exposed. 



DOCUMENTS. 283 

CER TIFICA TE 

OF TH E 

MASONIC CONGRESS 

ATTACHED TO THE 

f atiii ^opg of % " %tm\ |nstitate," h: 

We, the undersigned, Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, &c., &c., 
forming the present Masonic Congress, conformably to the terms of Article 
Third, of the treaty of this days date, have carefully examined and com- 
pared the above going copies with the authentic copy of the true Secret 
and Fundamental Institutes, Statutes, Grand Constitutions and Appen- 
dices of the first of May, 1786, (V. E.) of which the official copies are 
deposited, and have been carefully and faithfully preserved in all their 
purity amongst the Archives of the Order. 

We therefore certify the said copies faithfully and literally conformable 
to the original texts of the said documents. 

In faith of which we sign these presents, this loth day of the Moon of 
Adar, A. L., 5833 ; Vulgo, the 23d of February, 1834. 

Baron Freteau De Peny, 33d, Comte Thiebaut, 33d, 

Sexier, " Marquis De Giamboni, " 

A. C. R. D'Andrada, " La Fayette, " 

Luiz De Menes, Vascos De Drummond, " 

CoMTE De St. Laurent, 33d, 
'■^>-^«— ^ Sov .'. Gr .'. Ins .*. Gen .*., &c. 



I--} 



By order of the Congress, 

The Grand Secretary General of the Rite, pro tern, 

Charles Jube, 33d, 
[L. S.] Sov.-. Gr.-. Ins.-. Gen 



I 



Seal of the 
Supreme Council 
(^ of France. 



284 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



REMARKS BY THE AUTHOR. 

We have here presented in full to tlie render, tl)at notable document-— 
viz., '' The Secret Instiiutes and Constitutions of 1786," better known as 
the Constitutions ratified by Frederick the Great, on May 1st, 1786. It 
is a document which has not been hitherto much known, although fre- 
quently talked about, and comes to us in a most uncertain and question- 
able form. 

The first mention that has ever been made of the existence of such a 
document, is the Charleston Circular of 1802, to which the reader is re- 
ferred. Before this time it was entirely unknown to the Masonic world, 
and upon this document — viz., the Secret Institutes and Constitutions — 
is based the structure of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Before 
going further, however, we would remark that there are many singularities 
about the document itself. 

It is pretended, that this is a copy of the original, and comes to us in 
an imperfect form, in more than one respect. The signatiires are ivant- 
inff, or at least most of them, and we are told by the Charleston people, 
in a note appended to the document, that this imperfection is owing "to 
the effects of attrition and sea water, to the action of which it has been 
frequently exposed." 

It will be seen, by examination, that the document is lengthy, and is in 
three parts — viz., the true Secret Institutes, the Constitution and the Ap- 
pendix — all of them embracing several pages, and the signatures are at 
the end of each part. Now it is certainly most curious, that the sea 
water, or the attrition, no matter which, should have erased the same 
names in the two last papers — viz., the Constitution and the Appendix, 
and left the other names perfect in both. And it is still more curious, 
that the body of the documents should have escaped injury, even in a 
single letter, although there were several leaves intervening, full of written 
matter, between the signatures. The simple signature of " Fredericus " 
is preserved perfectly in all three of the papers, and this name is " said 
to be " that of the King of Prussia. 

A writer upon this point observes, "We are in a great deal of per- 
plexity, as to the manner in which the text was so perfectly preserved, 
while. the signatures in immediate juxta position suffered almost an entire 
effacement by friction and sea water. Much good might have resulted if 
friction and sea water had been less personal, and more general in its 
action upon the document, though it could scarcely have rendered it more 
unintelligible and obscure. It was evidently necessary to account for the 



DOCUMENTS. 285 

absence of signatures, in some ica?/, and so they say, they were either 
illegible or effaced, indicating a good deal of doubt, as to which state of 
affairs did, in truth, exist." 

Again, — This purports to be a copy of a copy, but we are not now, nor 
have we at any previous time, been informed where the original exists or 
is deposited. It is not known noiv, nor has it ever been known, in Prussia. 
There its paternity is denied altogether. It is not known in France. The 
copy which we now have is the nearest approach they can make to 
it. And the good people of France became possessed of that copy by the 
hands of the Count De Grasse, who went from the Supreme Council of 
Charleston, in 1802 or 1803, carrying it with him, and depositing it in 
their midst. So that there is no clue whatever to be had, to the original 
of this wonderful paper, except in one location — viz., the city of Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, the veritable place of its manufacture. 

Mr. Foulhouze, in his note appended to a like copy, says : 

" The note, or certificate attached to the Latin text, and also that, 
explanatory of the abuse of signatures, is well calculated to create distrust, 
regarding the document to which they are supposed to have been affixed. 
The cause assigned for their illegibility is frivolous, and carries with it 
conclusive evidence that the original had never been seen by the Sov.*. 
Gr .*. Ins .*. Gen .*. who certified to its correctness. The fraorments of sioj- 
natures which are given, are in wonderful harmony with the general 
character of the document, as the production of an individual bereft of 
sanity. 

" In the same unfortunate condition must have been those who ascribed 
the signature of ^''Fredericus " to Frederick the Great. With as much of 
sense, they might have ascribed the name of " Wilhelm " to William the 
Conqueror. 

" W^hat ? The Grand Frederick ratifies a Constitution which is written 
on parchment, and behold, the original thereof travels over land and sea, 
instead of being kept in the archives of the Supreme Council of Berlin ! 
That important Council (for without it, without the identity of its mem- 
bers being fully substantiated, what becomes of all those which pretend to 
descend therefrom) immediately abandons the only proof of its birth and 
legitimacy, to the-accidents of most dangerous voyages ! And notwith- 
standing the necessity of preserving that document in the very place 
where it originated and took its full force and vigor, in order that, under 
all circumstances, it might give faith, credence and authority to the insti- 
tution which had adopted it for its foundation, and when it was easy to 
expedite to any person having a right thereto, duly certified copies there- 



286 SCOTTISH EITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

of, behold it is exposed to accidents from flood and field, from sea water, 
and frictions of all sorts. 

" We believe we have the best authority for declaring the document to 
be an unqualified forgery. The original never was in the hands of the 
parties certifying the same, and we ask, what warranty they themselves 
had, that the pretended authentic copy, on which they acted, was not a 
forgery. The difference which exists between the text given by the Su- 
preme Council of France, in 1832, and the text given by the signers of 
the above certificate in 1834, with regard to the signers of the Constitu- 
tion in 1786, suffice to prove, that no reliance can be placed on either of 
those texts ; and the fact that, after having said in their note — ' that 
precious manuscript is now deposited with the Archives of one of the 
Confederated Councils,' — they afterwards said in their certificate, that the 
' official copies ' of those documents are deposited among the Archives of 
the Order^ without telling either which is that favorite Council, or where 
those archives are, still more clearly shows that they were instruments in 
some ones' hands for the propagation of an undigested mass of absurdities, 
the conceptions of malicious and conceited ignorance, under cloak of a 
language not generally understood hy Masons of that period. This is 
one of many instances, where the Latin language has been used to beguile 
the uneducated, and to cover folly and ignorance." 

Again, — The Latin is execrable. A common young student of the 
present day could write it far more properly and grammatically. We 
can count over six blunders in twelve lines, and many of them omissions. 
The same writer, before quoted, remarks : " It would be an offence to 
learned Masons, if we were to undertake a minute refutation of the Insti- 
tutes and Constitutions attributed to Frederick the Great. They were 
written at a period when high classical scholarship was no remarkable, or 
uncommon occurrence, and yet the style and language of the documents 
are exceedingly illiterate, and he would be a very dull Freshman who 
would hesitate in declaring them the work of an exceedingly ignorant man. 
There is not a phrase in them that does not betray on the part of their 
author, an absolute ignorance of the elementary rules of Latin. Frederick 
the Great was a man of genius ; acknowledged to be so, and possessed ot 
good sound sense, and we do not admit that he did ever consent to stand 
as a principal, or as ' in commendum ' to such an exhibition of stupid 
ignorance" 

We have already showed in the history, from indisputable authority, 
that Frederick never was the author or signer, nor did he know anything 
about the matter whatever. He died in the month of May, 1786, at the 



DOCUMENTS. 287 

very time when he was said to be at work at these Institutes, &c., and for 
full eleven months before his death he was powerless, and a part of the 
time insensible, having suffered from paralysis. 

Again, — The Institutes give a Schedule of the degrees which shall form 
the Rite, their numbers, and the manner in which they shall be placed. 
They declare, after designating the first eighteen degrees, what the Nine- 
teenth, Twentieth and so on up to the Thirty-third, shall be called, what 
number on the Schedule it shall fill, &c. But in framing this rule the 
authors, either from ignorance or negligence, have left out the name of 
the Nineteenth, forgotten the Twenty-fourth, and doubled the Twenty- 
ninth. Accordinof to the Institutes the Schedule would be thus : 



INSTITUTES. CHAELESTON SUPREME COUNCIL. 1802. 

19th. Wanting, 19th. Grand Pontiff, 

20th. Gr .-. Mas .-. of all S .-. L .-., 20th. G .-. M .-. of all S ,-. L .-., 

21st. Patriarch Noachite, 21st. Patriarch Noachite, 

22d. Prince of Libanus, 22d. Prince of Libanus, 

23d. Chief of the Tabernacle, 23d. Chief of the Tabernacle, 

24th. Wanting, 24th. Prince of the Tabernacle, 
2oth. Knight of the Brazen Serpent, 25th. Prince of Mercy, 

26th. Prince of Mercy, 26th. Knight of the Brazen Serpent, 

27th. Sov.-. Com .-. of the Temple, 27th. Commander of the Temple, 

28th. Knight of the Sun, 28th. Knight of the Sun, 

29th. Double, 29th. Kadosch, 

30th. « 30th. Prince of the Royal Secret, 

31st. Grand Inquisitor Commander, 31st. Prince of the Royal Secret, 

32d. Prince of the Royal Secret, 32d. Prince of the Royal Secret, 

33d. Sov.-. Gr.-. Insp.-.Gen.-., 33d. Sov.-. Gr.-. Ins.-. Gen.-. 

By comparing the above, it will be seen that the Charleston Council 
has left out the Grand Scotch Knight of St. Andrew, and Grand Inquisi- 
tor Judge Commander, while they have displaced the other degrees, have 
made the Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second, " Prince of th£ Royal 
Secret,^'' (three degrees) while the Institutes expressly declare, that the 
^'■Kadosch " shall constitute the Thirtieth degree ; the Thirty-first shall be 
the degree of " Sovereign Judge Commander,^'' and the " Princes of the 
Royal Secret''\ shall form the Thirty -second degree, under the Sovereign 
Grand Inspector General, which constitute the Thirty-third and last 
degree of the Order. 

If they had, at that time, this document in their hands, and were 
acquainted with its contents, the founders of the " new Rite, Ancient and 
Accepted,^'' and the Supreme Council to govern the same, should not have 



288 SCOTTISH mTE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

been embarrassed. The list contained in their circular of 1802, (which 
see,) should have been an exact copy of the degrees of the Rite, under the 
names and according to the order mentioned in that docuirient. Bat 
instead of copying from the Institutes, they appear to have constructed 
froy^i the rituals ivhich they had in their possession^ the list as it stands. 
By which it will be evident, that they were ignorant of the Constitutions 
of 1762, and the Institutes of 1786; that, as Mr. Foulhouze remarks, 
"the Institutes purporting to have been made by Frederick in 1786, 
were manufacfured after the year 1802, and that the above list was 
hastily set up by men who, as they had in hand but thirty of the Rituals, 
brought by Stephen Morin, did not even think of the ' Grand Knvjht of 
St. Andrew^ and the ' Grand Judge Commander,^ and that they took 
the ol)ject for the name of the ' Grand Scotch Kniyht of the. Sacred 
F(2mZ^,' displacing the ' jSTao^o^c/^,' and left the ^ Grand Fonti^^ under 
the number which it had in the list of Stephen Morin. 

The English translation here affixed is, by no means, a translation 
literal, of the Latin. It would be a very hard matter to accompli^sh that 
task, on account of the manner in which it is v/ritten. But the sense of 
it is contained therein, although highly decorated by the author. It may 
be proper to state, that there are many translations given by different 
persons,' but there are no two alike, and many of them differing very 
greatly, the one from the other, in many of the most material points. And 
the Latin and French copies are equally as bad — many of the writers 
having inserted largely, their "own ideas and improvements. 

Again, Article 2d, Section 3d. 1st Section of the Secret Constitution 
says : In places where a Supreme Council of this degree may properly 
be established, authority is by these Decretals given to the Inspector who 
has been longest admitted, to elevate another brother to the same degree 
and rank, he becoming the surety of such brother, that by his character 
and learning, and by the degree that he possesses, he deserves such honor, 
and thereupon the latter shall take the oath of office. 

Second, Then these two, in the same manner, jointly confer the same 
degree on another person. 

§ IV. And thus a Supreme Council will be established. 

Here the manner of conferring the Thirty-third degree is laid down 
very clearly, as well as the way in which a new body of that degree is 
founded. But the degree itself is a new one — never having been known 
and practiced before the year 1801. This particular point the defenders 
of the Ancient and Accepted Rite have taken very great pains to ])rove. 
And as evidence of the fact, they state that " Morin did not pretend to 



DOCUMENTS. 289 

propagate any other Masonry than that of Perfection, in twenty-five de- 
grees. Up to the year 1801, v/e find no trace in America, including the 
West Indies, of any higher degree than the Twenty-fifth or Subhme 
Prince of the Royal Secret, 

The Register of Aveilhe was made out in 1797, and that of Brother 
De La Hogue in 1798 and 1799, and in neither is there any hint of any 
higher power in Masonry, than a Subhme Grand Council of Subhme 
Princes of the Royal Secret. 

The Register of Brother De La Hogue contains, as its first entry, the 
filiation of the powers of Brother Morin as Inspector General. It states 
that he gave the degree of Grand Deputy Inspector General to Brother 
Frankin, at Jamaica ; he to Brother Moses M. Hays, at Boston : he to 
Brother Spitzer, at Charleston ; all the Deputies Grand Inspectors in Sub- 
hme Council at Philadelphia, to Brother Moses Cohen ; he to Brother 
Hyman Isaac Long ; and he at Charleston to the Brothers De La Hogue, 
De Grasse, &c. 

And in the Register of Brother Moses Holbrook, in the Archives of the 
Supreme Council at Charleston, is the copy of a Patent given by Barend 
M. Spitzer, Prince of Masons and Deputy Grand Inspector General, recit- 
ing his own creation as such, at Philadelphia, on the 25th of June, 1781, 
by a convention of Inspectors, and certifying that John Mitchell, of 
Charleston, had been raised to the degree of Kadosch — and further, to the 
highest degree in Masonry, and creating him Deputy Inspector General. 
This bears bears date of 2d April, 1795. Then follows a Patent granted 
to Frederick Dalcho on the 24th of May, 1801, by John Mitchell, K /. 
H .-., P .-. of the R .-. S .-., certifying him to be K .'. H .-. and P .-. of the 
R.'. S.*., and creating him Deputy Inspector General. 

" In the Register of Brother De La Hogue is also a copy of the Patents 
granted on the 12th of November, 1796, by Hyman Isaac Long, to the 
Brothers De La Hogue, De Grasse and others, creating each Patriarch 
Noachite, Sovereign Knight of the Sun, K .*. H .'. and Deputy Grand 
Inspectors General. 

There are several other Registers and Records given, showing the same 
thing, which it is not necessary to copy. All may be summed up in a few 
^ords — viz., that neither Morin, nor Frankin, nor Hays, nor Spitzer, nor 
Forst, nor Cohen, nor Long, nor De Grasse, De La Hogue, Aveilhe, or any 
of the others named, knew anything more than the Rite of Perfection. 
Mr. Lamarre concludes his subject, page 24, by saying — It thus appears 
in the most perfectly conclusive manner, that up to the year 1800, at 
least, the Rite of Perfection, ending with the Twenty-fifth degree, and 



290 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

having, as its highest governing bodies, Grand Councils of Princes of the 
Eojal Secret, was the only Scottish Masonry worked in America. We 
Jind, as yet, no Thirty-third degree, and no Sovereign Grand Inspec- 
tors General.'''' 

This point, then, we consider to be settled. Now the second point. 

"On the 31st of May, 1801, the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third 
degree for the United States of America was opened in Charleston, by 
Brothers John Mitchell and Fi'ederick Dalcho, Sovereign Grand Inspectors 
General, &c. — Charleston Circular." 

By this it appears, that John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho, were the 
first possessors of the degree and title in the world ; and the point is — 
Where did they obtain the Thirty-third degree ? There was no " old 
Inspector " there to elevate them to this degree : for none of them, ac- 
cording to their own testimony and records, knew anything about it. All 
we know about it is, that they both rise up as Thirty-thirds, and open a 
Supreme Council. 

It may be said that the Constitution contained the Ritual. But this 
will not do, as it is very clear, that they had not manufactured the Con- 
stitution until long after all this was done, else they would have issued a 
more correct Schedule of the degrees in 1802. It is clear that John 
Mitchell was first — he made Dalcho-r-and they two made De La Motta. 
But who made John Mitchell a Sovereign Grand Inspector General ? 
That is the point. Until this question can be satisfactorily answered, and 
proper proofs given of the correctness of the same, we must be permitted 
to believe and assert, that they made the degree for themselves, and 
having done so, assumed the power by taking the obligation, each for 
himself. 

Again, — "During the same period, (1 797,) Louis Claude Henri De 
Montmain was conferring at Charleston, as a detached degree, the degree 
of " Grand Commander of the Temple Mason.'''' We have a copy of 
his Register, made by us from the original, in the Archives of the Su- 
preme Council at Charleston, containing the Ritual of the degree, and 
sundry certificates of its reception by different Masons. Among others, 
one to Alexander Francois Aus^uste De Grasse, Master of the Lodafe " La. 
Candeur^^ at Charleston, dated 21st of December, 1*798. There are 
other certificates of the same kind, as late as the 3d of August, 1799." 
Page 24. 

Here then we have the evidence, that this degree was a detached de- 
gree until 1801, and not known to the Rite. How did it come to have 



DOCUMENTS. 291 

a place in the " Secret Institutes " of Frederick, made, as they say, in 
1*786, or fifteen years before? But further — 

"These degrees did not exist in France until 1804. The Thirty-third 
did not. There was never any such degree known there until 1804, as 
that of Sovereign Grand Inspector General, superior to the Prince of the 
Royal Secret. And it is perfectly well known to all Masons, who have 
at all examined the subject, that no such degrees as Chief of the Taber- 
nacle, Prince of the Tabernacle, Knight of the Brazen Serpent and Prince 
of Mercy are to be found in the Nomenclature, of any of the old degrees, 
existing prior to 1804. These four degrees are not to be found in 
France." Page 33. 

Very well ! How then did they come to be placed in Frederick's 
Institutes in 1*786, at least eighteen years before, according to the dates ? 
And if these " are regarded by Scottish Masons as the Holy Ark,'' why 
did the founders of the new rite at Charleston forget to put in the 
" Grand Scotch Knight of St. Andreiv,''^ and the " Grand Inquisitor 
Judge Commander ? " These are all specified in the Institutes, and yet 
they were left out. And then, in order to make the number full, or 
Thirty-three, they make two degrees out of the Kadosch, and three out 
of the Prince of the Royal Secret ! ! ! 

" The simjjle truth is,''^ the Secret Institutes, Constitutions, &g., were 
not in the hands even, of the founders of the Supreme Council of Charles- 
ton in 1802, nor until some time after that period — viz., until they could 
get the time to manufacture them right, having done which, they altered 
the Schedule and came out with an entire new one in the year 1822. See 
the publication by Joseph McCosh of this year. 



292 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



APPENDAGE TO DOCUMENT 28, PART II. 




IN THE NAME 

OF THE 

ost Jolg m)i ir /. %xt\ A of t\t liiitee. 

Qrdo mh €hmo. 

To OUR M .-. Ill .*. and M. R R .'. Brn .-. Grand Dignitaries and 

Grand Officers who compose the G .*. /. of the 

United States of America, S.*. S.*. P.*. 



The M .-.T.-. Sup.'. Council of PPP /. SSS .-. GGG/. Ill .-. GGG/. 
Thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite 
for the Empire of Brazil, to wit : 

The Count de Lages, Sov /. Gr .*. Com /., Minister and Secretary of 
State in the War Department and in the Council of State, Lieutenant- 
General, Senator and Noble of the Empire ; Honorio Hermeto Carneiro 
Leao, Deputy to the Grand Legislative Assembly, Grand Judge of the 
Supreme Court of Justice, Lieut .*. Gr .*. Com .*. ; Antonio Pereira Barreto 
Pedrozo, Gr .-. Treas /. of the H /. E .-., Knight of the Order of Christ, 
Grand Judge of the Supreme Court of Justice, Deputy to the General 
Legislative Assembly and to the Provincial Assembly of Rio de Janeiro ; 
Joao de Costa de Britto Sanches, Gr .'. Sec .'. Gen .-. of the H .*. E .-., 
Chevalier of the Imperial Household, of the Council of IT.*. I.*. M.*., 
Commander of Santa Maria dAlagoa, of the Order of Christ, and Marshal 
of the Camp ; Joao Huet de Bacellar Pinto Guedes, Chevalier of the Im- 
perial Household, Colonel of Marine Artillery, Knight of the Order of SS. 
Bento and dAviz, and of the Imperial Order of Cruzeiro, Gr .'. Sec .'. 
Gen .-. Adjunct of the H .-, E /., Chief of the Gr .'. Secretariat of the 111 /. 
Central Gr.'. Lodge; Thomaz Jose Tinoco dAlraeda, Knight of the 
Order of Christ, Under Secretary of State of the Minister of Justice ; Gus- 



DOCUMENTS. 293 

tavo Adolpho d' Aguillar Pantoja, Grand Judge of the Supreme Court 
of Justice, Knight of the Orders of Christ and Cruzeiro, Min/. of State 
of the H /. E.*.; Manoel Antonio Alves d'Azevedo, Grand Captain of the 
Guards, and large landed proprietor ; Joaquira Antonio Cesar d'Andrade 
Gr .-. M .•. of Cer /., large landed proprietor and Colonel of the Legion of 
the National Guard ; Albino Gomes Guerra d'Aguiar, Knight of the Im- 
perial Household, Grand Officer of the Wardrobes of H. M. the Emperor, 
CooQmander of the Order of Christ, Officer of the Imperial Order of 
Cruzeiro, Marshal of the Camp, and Commissary General of the Armies ; 
Thomaz Jose Pinto Serqueira, Bachelor of Canonical Law, of Civil Law, 
Doctor of Judiciary Sciences, Grand Judge Honorary of the Supreme 
Court, ex-Professor of the Chair of Ecclesiastical Law, and ex-Substitute 
Extraordinary of Natural and Civil Jurisprudence, and of Judiciary Prac- 
tice, Attorney at the Supreme Court of Justice of the capital and province 
of Rio de Janeiro ; Joao Carneiro de Campos, of the Council of H /. I.*. 
M .'., Commander of the Order of Christ, under Secretary of State of the 
Ministry of 'Justice ; Doctor Lourenzo Caetano Pinto, Chevalier of the Im- 
perial Household, Knight of the Order of Christ, and Judge of the third 
Civil Vara ; Doctor Joaquim Candido Scares de Meirelles, Physician and 
Surgeon of the Faculty of Paris, Titulary Member and President of the 
Imperial Academy of Medicine, Corresponding Member of the Medico- 
Chirurgical Academy of Naples, of the Philomathic Society of Paris, of the 
Society of Medicine of Louvain, of those of Medical Sciences of Lisbon, 
Professor of Anatomy and Physiology of the Academy of Fine Arts of 
E,io de Janeiro ; Joao Baptista de Castro, Member of the Supplementary 
List, Proprietor and Major of the Second Line of Infimtry. 

Being convinced that one of the most material causes of the importance 
of the Sublime Order, to which we have the pleasure of belonging, is that 
spirit of true fraternity, which extending over all Masons, induces them to 
aid and assist each other, in whatever part of the globe they may meet, 
regardless of whatever motives may cause them to differ in opinions or 
sentiments, for thus it is ordained by our laws. The practice of these 
laws by those who are inspired with true Masonic ardor, incontestably 
demonstrates that the views of the founders of this so venerable institu- 
tion, were not mere vain Utopias never to be realized. 

It is to obtain this grand result that Masonry is one and the same over 
the whole universe, in no point diverging from its mysterious dogmas, hav- 
ing the same signs, same tokens, and same words, in every region of the 
earth which the True Light has reached, and where are inaugurated temples 
to T. G. A. 0. T. U. 



294 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Masonry is known in Brazil ; the Gr .*. Jehovah has there true adorers, 
who the better to attain their object, have never ceased to unite them- 
selves in bodies, to elevate altars and to establish a centre, conformably to 
the Gr /. Const .*. Stat /. and Gen /. Reg .*. of the Order, given to this 
Rite by the immortal Frederick, in 5786. The circle which constitutes 
this centre, is at this day strong in the number of Lodges, in the number 
of brethren and in their qualities. Numbers of the first classes among 
the profane, are to be found in these Lodges, and the virtues of the true 
children of Heredom adorn the hearts of all. 

The M .*. P .-. Sup .'. Coun .-. which directs this circle in the Valley of 
the Hospital at the .'. of Rio de Janeiro, elegantly constituted, desiring 
to facilitate all the means which can conduce, that not only this circle, 
but all the circles of Masons legally constituted, may attain the majestic 
aim, the object of their efforts, has resolved to address to the M .*. W .*. 
Gr .'. Or.', of the United States of America to invite it to open a 
continuous correspondence with it, by means of which they may keep one 
another mutually informed of the requirements and of the prosperity of 
the Order to which they belong. 

The M .'. P .'. Sup .'. Coun .*. of Rio de Janeiro does not offer its friend- 
ship and its services to the M .*. W .*. Gr .'. Or .*. of the United States, 
because such offers would lead to the supposition that it is ignorant of the 
duties of the true adorers of G .". A .-. O .'. T .*. U ."., but it hastens to 
assure it, that it is animated by sentiment of the most perfect esteem for 
the merits, the lights and the virtues of such 111 .*. and such Res .'. Brn .*., 
and that it will rejoice on every occasion that it receives intelligence of 
their prosperity, and that it can find occasion to satisfy any of their 
desires. 

That the G .*. A .*. O .*. T .*. U .*. may spread happiness and pros- 
perity over the M .*. W .'. Gr .*. Or .*. of the United States of America 
is the cordial wish of the undersigned brethren, Gr .*. Dign .*. and Gr .'. 
Off.', and other members of the M .*. P .-. Sup.*. Coun .'. of the Ancient 
and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Empire of Brazil. 

Given in Sup .*. Coun .'. the 14th day of the 8th month of the year of 
T.'. L.'., 5839, under the C .*. V.'. corresponding to the Zenith 23d 
S .-. L .'. 



CoNDE De Lages, 33d, Sov .'. Gr .'. Com .*. 

Gustavo Adolpho d'Aguillar Pantoja, 33d, M.'. State of the H.'. E .-. 

Antonio Pereira Barreto, Pedrozo, 33d, G .-. T .*. of the H .'. E /. 



DOCUMENTS. 295 

Thomaz Jose Tinoco d'Almeda, 33d ; 

Albino Gomez Guerra d'Agniar, 33d ; 

Dr. Thomaz Joze Pinto Serquiera, 33d ; 

JoAo Carneiro de Campos, 33d ; 

Dr. Joaquim Candido So ares de Meirelles, 33d ; 

Honorio Hermeto Carneiro Leao, 33d, L .*. T .'. G .*. Com .*. i 

Manoel Antonio Alves de Azevedo, 33d, C .". of the G.'. 

JoAO HuET DE Bacellar Pinto Guedes, 33d. 

Signed, stamped and sealed by us, Gr .•. Sec .*. adjunct of the H .*. 
E.-. and Chan.-. G.-. S .-. 

JoAo HuET de Bacellar. 



US. 






296 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



33001T3M:E^I!^T T^O. S.©. 



CONSTITUTIONS AND REGULATIONS 

DRAWN UP 

BY KIXE COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED, AD HOC, 

BY THE 

SOVEREIGN GRAND SUBLIME COUNCIL 

OF THE 

hUm ^riir«s of % JopI Bmtt, ix, 

01U£.\TS OF PAPaS ASD BORDEAUX. 



Constitutions and Regulations drawn up bj nine Commissioners ap- 
pointed by the Grand Council of the Sovereign Princes of the Royal 
Secret, at the Grand Orients of Paris and Bordeaux, by virtue of the 
Resolution of the oth day of the Sd week of the Yth month of the 
Hebrew Era, 5562 ; and of the Christian Era, 1762, &c., &c. 



It is known that all the Associations have been greatly benefitted by 
the assiduous labors of the Sublime Knights and Princes of Masonry ; 
and therefore too much precaution and pains cannot be taken to preserve 
unimpaired, its dignity, to perpetuate its excellent maxims, and to preserve 
them from those abuses that ever seek to obtain foothold. 

Although this Royal and Sublime Order has always sustained itself in 
honor and credit, by the wisdom and prudence of its Secret Constitu- 
tions, as ancient as the loorld, the depravation of the present age, makes 
it necessary and proper to make therein such reformatory alterations, as 
are suitable and fitting to the times in which we live. 

The mode of life of our first Patriarchs, who were created and reared 
in the bosom of Perfection, presents a very different picture from that of 
our modern manners. In those fortunate times. Purity, Innocence and 
Candor, naturally led the heart towards Justice and Perfection, but the 
depravation of Morals, caused by the irregularities of the heart and intel- 
lect, having in process of time desti'oyed all the virtues ; Innocence and 
Candor which are their basis, insensibly disappeared, and left the human 
race a prey to the horrors of misery, injustice and imperfection. 



DOCUMENTS. 297 

But nevertheless vice did not generally prevail among our Venerable 
Patriarchs ; our first Knights avoided the multitude of shoals that threat- 
ened them with shipwreck, they maintained themselves in that happy 
condition of innocence, justice and perfection which they fortunately trans- 
mitted to their posterity from age to age, revealing the sacred mysteries 
to those only whom they judged worthy ; into which mysteries the Eter- 
nal has been pleased to allow us to be initiated. 

Consequently, in order to maintain ourselves, as well as all our Sublime 
Knights and Princes of the Sublime Masonry, our brethren, in that happy 
state and condition, and by their advice, it has been resolved, settled, and 
determined, that in addition to the Ancient and Secret Constitutions of 
the August Order of the Sublime Princes of Masonry, and as a rule, to 
be forever punctually and religiously observed, the Sublime degrees shall 
never be communicated to Masons below the degrees of Knights of the 
East — of Princes of Jerusalem, Knight of the East and West, Patri- 
arch Noachite, Knight of the Royal Arch, Prince Adept, and Commander 
of the White and Black Eagle. To the end, that by this precaution, it 
may be made certain that they do possess the quahties necessary to war- 
rant admission to the said Sublime degrees. 

The said Constitutions and Regulations, are to be punctually executed 
and observed in all their points and articles, as follows : 

Article 1. 
Forasmuch as Religion is a worship necessarily due to the Omnipotent 
God, no person shall be initiated into the Sacred mysteries of this Emi- 
nent degree, unless he complies with what is required of him by the Re- 
ligion of his country, where he must have necessarily imbibed its venera- 
ble principles ; nor unless that is certified by three Knights, Princes Ma- 
sons ; nor unless he is of free parents ; nor unless he has conducted him- 
self well, and is under the tongue of good report, and has, as such, been 
admitted in all the preceding degrees of Masonry ; nor unless he has at 
all times given proofs of his obedience, docility, zeal, fervor and constancy; 
nor finally, unless he is free to take upon himself the obligations of ven- 
erable Sublime Masonry, when admitted to the Sublime degree of High 
Perfection, and also of free punctuality to obey the Th. 111.-. Sov .'. Gr.*. 
Commander, his officers, and the Sovereign and Puissant Council, of the 
Sublime Princes, when assembled. 

Article II. 
The Royal Art, or the association of Free and Accepted Masons, is 
regularly divided into twenty-five known degrees. The First shall be 



298 



SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



subject to the second, the second to the third, and so on in successive 
progression, to the Twenty-fifth, which is the Sublime and last, that gov- 
erns and commands all the others, without exception. The whole of the 
degrees are divided into Seven Classes, through which no one can be ex- 
cused from passing, nor from observing punctually the order of times and 
the distances fixed between the degrees, divided by mysterious numbers, 
as follows : — 



1st class, 
3 degrees. 

2d class, 
5 degrees. 

3rd class, 

3 degrees. 

4th class, 

4 degrees. 

5tb class, 
4 degrees. 



6th class, 
4 degrees. 



9th 
JOth 
11th 



7 th class, 
3 degrees. 



f 1st To attain the degree of Apprentice, 3 months. 

2nd From Apprentice to Fellow Craft, 5 " 

3rd '' Fellow Craft to Master, 7 " 15 mo. 

4th " Master to Secret Master, 3 " 

5th " Secret Master to Perfect Master, 3 " 

6th " Perfect Master to Int. Secretary, 3 " 

7th " Int. Secretary, Provost and Judge 5 " 
8 th " Provost and Judge to Intendant of 

the Buildings, 7 '^ 21 mos. 

Int. of Buildings to Elect of 9, 3 " 

Elect of 9, to Elect of 15, 3 " 
Elect of 15 to 111. Elect, Chief the 

Tribes, - - 1 « 7 mos. 

111. Elect to Gr. Master Architect, 1 " 

Gr. M. Architect to Eoyal Arch, 3 " 
Royal Arch to Gr. Elect, Ancient 

Perfect Master, - 1 « 5 mos. 

Perfection to Knight of the East, 1 " 
Knight of the East and Prince of 

Jerusalem, - - 1 " 

Prince of Jerusalem to Knight of 

the East and West, - 3 " 

Knight of E. W. to Rose Croix, 1 " 6 mos. 

Rose Croix to Grand Pontiff, 3 " 

Gr. Pontiff to Patriarch Noachite, 3 " 
Patriarch Noachite to Gr. Master 

of the Key, - - 3 « 

Key of Masonry to Prince of Li- 

banus, - - 3 " 12 mos. 

Prince of Libanus to Prince Adept, 5 " 
Prince Adept to 111. Knight Com- 
mander, - - - 5 " 
25th " Knight of White and Black Eagle 
to the Sublime Prince of the 
Royal Secret, - . 5 '* 15 mos. 



rl2th 
13th 
14th 

I 

['15th 
16th 



' 17th 



18th 

19th 
20th 
21st 

22d 



|-23rd 
I 24th 



DOCUMENTS. 299 

All these degrees into wliicli one can only be initiated in a mysterious 
number of months, to arrive at each degree in due succession, make the 
number, in all, eighty-one months ; but if, during any one of the periods, 
a brother has been wanting in zeal and obedience, he can obtain no more 
degrees, until he has submitted to discipline, implored pardon for his fault 
and promised the utmost punctuality and exemplary obedience, under the 
penalty of being forever excluded, and of having his name erased and 
struck from the list of true and legitimate brethren, (fee, &c. 

Article III. 

The Sovereign Grand Council of the Sublime Princes of the Royal Se- 
cret, is composed of all the Presidents of the several Councils, particularly 
and regularly established in the cities of Paris and Bordeaux, with the 
Sovereign of the Sovereigns, or his Deputy General or Representative, at 
their head. 

Article IV. 

The Sovereign Grand Council of the Sublime Princes of the Royal Se- 
cret, shall assemble four times a year, and be styled the Grand Quarterly 
Council of Communication, held on the 25th June, 21st September, 21st 
March and the 27th December. 

Article V. 

On the 25th June, the Sovereign Grand Council, shall be composed of 
all the Presidents of the several Councils of Paris and Bordeaux, or of 
their Representatives, for that day only, with their two first Grand officers, 
the Ministers of State and Generals of the army, who have only the right 
to propose measures, but not to vote. 

Article VI. 
Every three years, on the 2Yth December, the Sovereign Grand Coun- 
cil shall elect seventeen officers, to wit, two Representatives of the Lieut. 
Commander, two Grand officers, who are the Grand Orator and the Grand 
General of the army, one Grand Keeper of the Seals and Archives, one 
Secretary General, a Secretary for Paris and Bordeaux, another Secretary 
for the Provinces and Foreign countries, a Grand Architect engineer, a 
Grand Hospitaller Physician, and seven Inspectors, who shall meet under 
the orders of the Sovereign of the Sovereign Princes, or his Substitute 
General ; making seventeen in all, at which shall remain irrevocably fixed 
the number of Grand officers of the Sovereign Grand Council of the Sub- 
lime Princes of the Royal Secret, who can be selected only from among 
the Presidents of the particular Councils of the Princes of Jerusalem reg- 
ularly established at Paris and Bordeaux ; and upon failure of the Sove- 



300 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

reign and the Sublime Grand Council, to make the ele<ition, the Sovereign 
of the Sovereign Princes, or his Deputy General may, by virtue of his 
office, appoint the officers, in a Grand Council specially convoked, of at 
least eighteen resident Princes of the particular Councils of the cities of 
Paris and Bordeaux. 

Article VII. 
Every Prince Grand officer or Dignitary of the Sovereign Grand Coun- 
cil, shall have a Patent of the Dignity to which he shall have been elect- 
ed, in v^'hich shall be expressed, the term for which he is elected, counter- 
signed by all the Grand officers and by those of the Sovereign Grand 
Council of the Sublime Princes, and stamped and Sealed. 

Article Vlli. 
Besides the four quarterly Communications, there should be held, with- 
in the ten first days of each month, by only the Grand officers, Dignita- 
ries of the Sovereign Council of the Sublime Princes, a Council for the 
regulation of the General and Special affairs of the Order, with right of 
appeal to the Grand Council of Communication. 

Article IX, 
In the Assembly of the Council of Communication, as also in the par- 
ticular Councils, all questions shall be decided by plurality of votes ; the 
President having two votes, and each other member one. If a brother is 
allowed to sit in such an assembly, by dispensation, even if he be a Sub- 
lime Prince, but be not a member of the Grand Council, he shall have 
no vote, and shall express views only, by permission of the President. 

Article X. 

All matters referred to the Sovereign Grand Council of the Sublime 
Princes, shall be determined in the Councils ; and their Regulations shall 
be executed, subject to ratification, however, by the next Council of Com- 
munication. 

Article XI. 

Wherever the Council of Communication is held, the Grand Secretary 
shall bring up all the current records, and report all the dehberations had, 
and regulations made during the quarter, that they may be ratified; and 
if there be any opposition made to such ratification, a Committee of 9 
shall be appointed, before which those who object, shall set forth in writ- 
ing the grounds of their objection, that they may be answered in writing ; 
and that upon the report of the Committee, the matter may be settled in 
the next Grand Council of Communication ; and in the interval between 



DOCUMENTS. 301 

such deliberation and the final decision, tliat to which objections is made, 
shall by a mandate, be carried into effect. 

Article XII. 

The Grand Secretary General shall keep a Register for Paris and Bor- 
deaiix, and another for the Provinces and Foreign countries, containing 
the names of the subordinate Councils, in the order of their seniority, the 
dates of their Charters, and a statement of the names, degrees, dignities, 
civil conditions and places of residence of the members, conformably to 
the forms transmitted by our Inspectors or their deputies, and of the right 
of precedency of each Council ; and also the number of regular Lodges 
of Perfection established under the Government of our Inspectors, or that 
of the Council of the Sublime Princes, the titles of their Lodges, the dates 
of their Charters, and a statement of the titles, degrees, oflBces, dignities, 
civil condition and places of residence of the members, conformably to 
those furnished by our Inspectors or their Deputies. The day for the re- 
ception of the President in the particular Councils, shall be fixed in the 
Grand Councils of Communication. 

Article XIII. 

The Grand Secretary shall keep a record containing all the decisions 
and regulations of the Grand Council of Quarterly Communication, in 
which shall be stated all the matters determined in such Council, all the 
letters received, and the substance of the answer determined on, to each. 

Article XIV, 

The Grand Secretary shall endorse on the margin of all petitions, letters, 
and memoirs read to the Council, the substance of the answer agreed on, 
answer shall, when written, be signed by the Grand Inspector General or 
his Deputy, by the Secretary of the proper jurisdiction, and by the Grand 
Keeper of the seals ; and then the Grand Secretary shall himself sign, 
stamp and seal it, and transmit the answer. 

But it may not be practicable to do this while the Council is in session, 
and as it might sometimes be dangerous to delay answering until the next 
Council, he shall produce the minute of the answer, that it may be read 
in the next Council, and shall deliver all that relates thereto to the Keeper 
of the Archives, that the Sovereign Grand Council may therein make such 
corrections as to it may seem proper. 

Article XV. 

The particular Councils, whether in the cities of Paris or Bordeaux, in 
the Provinces or elsewhere, shall have no power to issue Charters or Reg- 
ulations, unless they be authorized by the Sovereign Grand Council, the 
Grand Inspector, or his Deputy. 



302 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Article XVI. 
The Grand Keeper of the Seals and Stamps, shall stamp and seal no 
letter which has not been first signed by the Secretary General, and by 
two Secretaries of different jurisdictions ; nor can he stamp or seal any 
regulations that have not been signed by the Grand Inspector or his De- 
puty, and by the said Secretaries ; and he can neither stamp or seal any 
Charter of the Constitution that has not first been signed by the said 
three Grand Officers, and by other Princes, to the number in all, of seven 
at least, members of the Sovereign Grand Council of Sublime Princes. 

Article XVII 
The Grand Treasurer must be known to be a person of easy fortune. 
He shall have charge of all the funds received on account of the Sov. 
Grand Council, or given away by charity. An exact record shall be kept 
of all receipts, expenditures, and charities, carefully distinguishing each, and 
showing how the monies in each case have been expended ; the funds of 
the Sovereign Grand Council and those for charitable purposes, being 
always kept separate, a receipt shall be given for every sum, that shall 
refer to the number of the page of the register on which it is entered ; 
and no monies shall be paid out except on the written order of the Presi- 
dent, and of the two Grand Officers of the Sovereign Grand Council. 

Article XVIII. 
At the first assembly of the Grand Council after the 2*7111 December, 
the Grand Treasurer shall lay before it his accounts. 

Article XIX. 
No order of the Treasurer for money shall be given except by the 
President or the two Grand Wardens ; and that only on a resolution of the 
Grand Council, mentioned in the order, as also all payments of the said 
funds. None of the funds shall ever be used to pay for banquets, which 
shall always be paid for by common contributions of all the brethren. 

Article XX. 
When any memoir, petition, or complaint is sent to the Sovereign Grand 
Council, by a particular Council, the President whereof is a member, he can- 
not vote, nor even express his opinion, unless requested to do so by the 
President of the Grand Council. 

Article XXL 
The Grand Inspectors and Deputies, and the two first Grand Officers, 
can be removed from office only by the Grand Council of Quarterly Com- 
munications of the Princes of the Royal Secret, for legitimate reasons 
openly discussed, and when the proofs against them are clear and conclu- 



DOCUMENTS. 303 

sive ; but these Officers may resign in tlie Grand Council. The Grand 
Inspectors and Deputies can be replaced only by appointment by the 
Sovereign of the Sovereigns of the Most Puissant Princes of the Grand 
Quarterly Council. 

Article XXII. 

The Grand Council will visit the particular Councils and Lodges of Per- 
fection through their Deputies Inspectors, or in their place, three persons 
specially appointed therefor ; who shall report in writing to the Secretary 
General all that occurs on their visitation, that the Sovereign Grand Council 
may be informed thereof. The Grand Inspector or Deputy shall inspect the 
work, the registers, charters, and Hsts of members of such Councils and 
Lodges of Perfection, and shall draw up a statement thereof, which shall 
be signed by the Officers Dignitaries of said Councils or Lodges of Per- 
fection, or other bodies, and which he shall forward to the Sovereign Grand 
Council as soon as possible addressed to the Grand Secretary General. 
He shall preside in said Grand Councils, Lodges of Perfection, and other 
bodies, whenever he sees fit, without the objection on the part of any 
brother whatever, under the penalties due to disobedience, and that of in- 
terdiction, for such is our good pleasure. 

Article XXIIL 

When the Grand Council shall be regularly convoked, seven members 
shall suffice to open the works at the time fixed ; and the regulations 
then made and passed by a plurality of votes shall have the force of law, 
as if the other members had been present ; except in cases of emergency, 
when the Grand Inspector or his Deputy, with three members, may pro- 
ceed with the work. 

Article XXIV. 

If in a meeting of a Grand Council any member should present himself 
in an indecent manner, intoxicated, or doing any other act that may tend 
to interrupt the harmony that ought to reign in a body so respectable, he 
shall, for the first offence, be reprimanded ; for the second, a fine shall be 
imposed, fixed by the voice of the majority, to be paid forthwith ; and for 
the third, he shall be deprived of his dignities, and if a majority of the 
Grand Council so decide, he shall be expelled. 

Article XXV. 

If in the Sovereign Grand Council any member be guilty of any of tho 

offences mentioned in the preceding article, he shall, for the first offence, 

be condemned to pay such fine as may be forthwith imposed on him ; for 

the second, he shall be excluded from the General Assembly for the space 



304 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

of one year, during which time he shall be deprived of his functions in 
the Council and in the Lodge whereof he is a member ; and for the 
third, he shall be expelled. If he be the President of a particular Council 
or Lodge, he shall be deprived of his office, which will be filled by a new 
appointment, whatever may. be the degree of his Council or Lodge. 

Article XXVI. 
The Sovereign Grand Council will recognize as regular no other Coun- 
cils or Lodges of Perfection than those regularly constituted by itself, or 
by the Grand Inspectors or their Deputies ; nor any Knights Masons, 
Princes, or Perfect Grand Elus, that have been made such by any Coun- 
cil or Lodge not duly authorized. 

Article XXVII. 
All petitions addressed to the Sovereign Grand Council for charters, or 
for the establishment or regularization of any Council or Lodge, shall be 
referred as follows : If from a Province, to the Inspectors for that juris- 
diction, who shall thereupon appoint four Commissioners, to obtain all the 
necessary information, to which end they shall furnish to the Inspectors 
or their Deputy for that jurisdiction, an exact list of the members who 
apply for the establishment of such Council or Lodge of Perfection, &c. ; 
to the end, that upon the report of such Commissioners, or upon that of 
the Grand Inspector, or his Deputy, the Grand Council may decide upon 
the application. If from a foreign country, the proper Grand Inspectors 
may, each within his jurisdiction, create, constitute, prohibit, revoke, and 
exclude, according as their judgment may direct, sending up full report 
of their action in the premises to the Sovereign Grand Council by the 
first favorable opportunity. And the said Inspectors shall conform to the 
laws and customs, as also to the Secret Constitutions of the Sovereign 
Grand Council. They may, for greater despatch, appoint Deputies to act 
for them, empowering them by letters patent that shall have force and 
validity. 

Article XXVIII. 

The Sovereign Grand Council will grant charters to establish a Royal 
Lodge of Perfection to no brothers who have not attained, at least, to the 
degree of Princes of Jerusalem ; and to establish a Council of Knights 
of the East, to no one who has not attained that of Knights of the East 
and West. To obtain authority to establish a Council of Princes of 
•Jerusalem, the brother must necessarily have the degree" of Sublime 
Knight, Prince Adept, and must prove by authentic documents that he 
has been legitimately and regularly received as such ; and he m\3st show 



DOCUMENTS. 305 

that lie has always led an honest life, free of any reproach, and been dis- 
tinguished by a good reputation and an upright course of conduct ; and 
also that he has ever been obedient to the decrees of the Sovereign Grand 
Council of the Princes, among whom he desires to be a Chief. 

Article XXIX. 
The Sovereign Council of the Subhme Princes will grant no new Pa- 
tents or Constitutions, whether for Paris or Bordeaux, for a Province or 
for foreign countries, unless upon the production of a receipt of the Grand 
Treasurer for the sum of twenty-four shillings, to pay the persons em- 
ployed in that labor. The Grand Inspectors of Foreign Orients will ob- 
serve the same rule in like cases. All the expenses of any journeys which 
they are obliged to make are to be defrayed. Moreover, they will deliver 
neither commission nor power to any Prince Mason until he has first 
signed his submission in the register of the Grand Secretary General, of 
the Grand Inspector or his Deputy ; and in a Province or Foreign Coun- 
try, in those of our Inspectors or Deputies. It is even necessary that 
such submission be both written and signed by such brother. 

Article XXX. 
If the Inspectors or Deputies see fit to visit any where in the two hemi- 
spheres, a Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, a Council of Knights 
of the East, a Lodge of Perfection, or any other body whatsoever, they 
will present themselves, clothed with the decorations of their rank, at the 
door of the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, of the Grand Chap- 
ter of Knights of the Black Eagle, or of the Consistory of the Princes 
Adepts, or of any other body, as the case may be, and will be there re- 
ceived with all the honors due them, and everywhere enjoy their privileges 
and prerogatives. Whenever an Inspector or his Deputy, or any other 
Knight Prince Mason visits a Lodge of Royal Perfection, or other Lodge, 
the Puissant Grand Master, or the Venerable Master of a Symbolical 
Lodge, will send out five officers Dignitaries to introduce the Prince In- 
spector or his Deputy, with all the honors hereinafter prescribed and 
explained. 

Article XXXI. 

The Princes of Jerusalem being the valiant Princes of the Renovated 
Masonry, they will be received with all the honors, and will enjoy all 
their privileges, in all Lodges and Chapters, as well as in all Councils of 
Knights of the East, whereinto they will make their triumphant entry in 
the following manner: — 

First. — The Princes of Jerusalem have the right to annul and revoke 
whatever may have been transacted in a Council of the Knights of the 



306 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

East, in Lodges of Royal Perfection, or in any other Lodges of whatever 
degree, wherein such bodies have not conformed to the decisions and laws 
of the Order, provided, however, that there be present no Sublime Prince 
of a higher degree. 

Second. — When a Prince of Jerusalem is announced, as such, at the 
door of a Royal Lodge, or of a Chapter, or of any other Lodge, with the 
evidences and ornaments that prove him to be such, or when he is known 
to be such by some Prince of the same degree, the Venerable, or the 
Thrice Puissant Grand Master, will send four officers Dignitaries to intro- 
duce and accompany him. He will enter, wearing his hat or helmet, his 
drawn sword in his right hand, as one in combat, buckler on his left arm, 
and even cuirassed, if fully clothed with all his insignia and ornaments. 
When the Prince visitor thus entering is in the West, between the War- 
dens, and accompanied by the four deputies of the Lodge, he will salute 
first the Master, then the North, then the South, and then the two War- 
dens. Immediately after this ceremony he will give the sign of the de- 
gree in which the body is working, which will be repeated by the Master 
and by all the brethren together ; and then the Master will say " To order, 
brethren.^'' Instantly all the brethren on the North and South will together 
form an arch with their naked swords, or if they have none, with their 
outstretched arms, under which the valorous Prince will pass with a grave 
step until he comes to the Master ; the Master will offer him the Sceptre, 
which he will accept and direct the work ; the Master will report to him 
in regard to the work, and as to everything that concerns the Order ; but 
if he thinks proper he will decline to receive the Sceptre, leaving the 
Master to continue the work already begun ; and if the valorous Prince 
desires to retire before the Lodge, is closed, he will so inform the Master 
or Th.". Puissant, who will thank him for his visit, invite him to frequently 
repeat it, and tender him all the services in his power ; and after this 
compliment the Master will give one rap and say " to order, my hrethrenP 
This will be repeated by each Warden, and all the brethren on the North 
and South will form a vault, under which the valorous Prince, after salut- 
ing the Master, will pass, his naked sword in his hand, as if in combat. 
When between the two Wardens, he will turn toward the East and salute 
the Master, the North, the South, and each Warden in succession. Then, 
still accompanied by the four Deputies, he will retire from the Lodge, the 
doors standing wide open as when he entered. The four Deputies having 
re-entered, the work will be resumed. 

Third. — A Prince of Jerusalem cannot exercise his privileges when 
there is also present a Prince Adept, Chevalier Noachite, or Sovereign 



DOCUMENTS. 307 

Prince of the Royal Secret ; but be may enter with all the honors if the 
Sublime Princes present assent thereto. 

Fourth. — When present in a Lodge, Princes of Jerusalem will be ad- 
dressed as Valiant Princes; Knights Adepts as Sovereign Princes; 
Knights of the Royal Secret as Illustrious Sovereigns of th£ Sovereign 
Suhlime Princes, and Koights of the East as Excellent Brother Knights. 
A Knight of the East will have the right, when a Prince of Jerusalem is 
not present, to require a full account of whatever work has been done in 
the Lodge ; to see if its Constitutions (Charter) are valid and in form ; 
to reconcile matters among the brethren if there be coldness or conten- 
tion among them, and to exclude any one who obstinately refuses to sub- 
mit, and any, who will not of their own accord pay obedience to the 
Statutes and to the laws contained in our Secret Constitutions and others, 
whether in a Lodge of Perfection, or a Symbolic Lodge. 

Fifth. — The Valorous Princes of Jerusalem and the Knights of the 
East are entitled to sit covered during^ the labors of a Lodsje of Perfection 
or Symbolic Lodge, but they enjoy their privileges only when legally 
known, and when clothed with the ornaments and insignia of their rank. 

Sixth. — Five Valiant Princes of Jerusalem may form a Council of 
Knights of the East wherever none has been established. They will be 
invested with judicial power, but must give an account of their work to the 
Sovereign Grand Council, and to the nearest Grand Inspector or his Deputy, 
in writing. Their authority as Judges is derived from the powers given 
their illustrious predecessors by the people of Jerusalem, on their return 
from their embassy to Babylon. 

' Article XXXII, 

To establish among all the Subordinate Councils, and among all the 
Illustrious Knights and Princes Masons, a regular system of correspond- 
ence, they will send up every year to the Sovereign Grand Council, and to 
each particular Council, a general statement of all the particular Councils 
regularly constituted, and of the names of the Officers of the Sovereign 
Grand Council of the Sublime Princes, and will give information during 
the year of any changes of importance since the last statement. 
Article XXXIII 

To maintain order and discipline, the Sovereign Grand Council of the 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret will meet but once a year, to proceed 
in their Masonic labors. At such meeting there will be admitted to the 
Subhme and last degree of Masonry, no more than three of the oldest 
Knights Adepts, who will be proclaimed in the Grand Lodge of Perfect, 
Grand, Elect Masters, or in Council, Chapter, &c. 



308 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Article XXXIV. 

Feast days, which the Knights Princes Masons and Valorous Princes 
of Jerusalem are bound specially to celebrate. 

First. — The 20th November, the memorable day when their ancestors 
made their entry into Jerusalem. 

Second. — The 23d of February, to praise the Lord on account of the 
rebuilding of the Temple. 

Third. — The Knights of the East will celebrate the holy day of the re- 
building of the Temple of God, the 22d of March and the 22d of Sep- 
tember, which are the equinoctial days, when the day and night respectively 
begin to lengthen ; in memory of the fact that the Temple was twice 
builded. All the Prince Masons are bound to attend the Council of the 
East to celebrate these two days, and that body must, on such occasions, 
be opened in due form. 

Fourth. — The Grand Elect Perfect (Masons) will also, and in a special 
manner, celebrate the dedication of the first temple on the 5th day of the 
3d month which answers to our month of July, on which occasion the 
Knights and Princes Masons are to wear all their decorations. 

Article XXXV. 

A particular Council of Princes of the Royal Secret can consist of no 
more than fifteen members, the officers included. 

Every year, on the day of St. John the Evangelist, every Grand Parti- 
cular Council must elect nine officers, not including the President, who is 
always to serve three years. 

1st. The Lieutenant Commandant^ who presides in the absence of the 
Sovereign Grand Commander. 

2d. The Grand Warden, who presides in the absence of the two 
former. 

3d. The Grand Keeper of the Seals or Grand Secretary 

4 th. The Grand Treasurer. 

5 th. The Grand Captain of the Guards. 

6th. The Grand Orator or Minister of State. 

Tth. The Grand Usher. 

8th. The Grand Master Architect or Engineer. 

9 th. The Grand Hospitaller. 

All the other members, united under the Order of the Sovereign of the 
Sovereign Princes, or of his Lieutenant Commandant, remain without 
change, and no member can be admitted, if thereby the number will ex- 
ceed fifteen in all. 






DOCUMENTS. 309 

This Grand Council is subject to the Grand Inspector or his Deputy, as 
its Chief, to be recognized as such on all occasions ; and it is subordinate 
to the Council in whatever concerns the Royal Art, both in the High and 
in the inferior decrees. 



We, Sovereign of the Sovereign Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret 
of the Royal and Military Order of the Most Worshipful Fraternity of Free 
and Accepted Masons, have determined, and do resolve, that these present 
Statutes, Regulations and Constitutions shall be observed. 

And we do order our Grand Inspectors and their Deputies to cause 
them to be read and received, as well in all Particular Councils, Chapters 
and Royal Lodges, as in all other bodies whatsoever. 

Done at the Grand Orient of Bordeaux, under the Celestial Vault, the 
day and year above mentioned. 



REMABKS BY THE AUTHOR. 

We here have, what purports to be, the notable Constitution of 1762. 
That there were Nine Commissioners appointed, for the purpose of mak- 
ing laws and regulations for the government of the Order, that they met 
together at Bordeaux, that they did make those Laws and Regulations 
comprised in Thirty-five Articles, we know to be the fact, from the con- 
current testimony of all authors who have written upon the subject of the 
Rite of Perfection. But we have no reason whatever for believing that 
this document, here produced, is the work of their hands. On the con- 
trary, the document, as a whole, carries on its face a plump denial. 

In the first place — Where did it come from ? The copy here made 
was taken from a work published by Brother Albert Pike. It is published 
in a beautiful form, and like all his other productions, is doubtless a work 
of great labor. But however much we may admire the splendid manner 
in which the work is produced, and the talent of its author, we are not 
so well pleased with the matter which it contains. 

In the introduction Brother Pike states — " Copies of the Constitutions 
and Regulations of 1762, and of disperse subsequent Statutes and Insti- 
tutes of unknown date and uncertain authenticity, are given in the ' Re- 
cueil des Actes du Supreme Conseil de France,' printed at Paris in 1832, 
by authority of that body." 

" In the Archives of the Supreme Council at Charleston, is a book, in 
manuscript, written by the Brother Jean Baptiste Marie Delahogue, in 



310 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

1798 and 1799.; containing among other documents, a copy of those 
Constitutions and Regulations, and of other Statutes and Regulations ; all 
authenticated by his genuine signature, and that of the Brother Count 
Alexandre Francois Auguste De Grasse ; under the Seal of the SubUme 
Grand Council of the Princes of the Royal Secret, then in existence, and 
sitting at Charleston." 

" There is also in those Archives, another book, being the Register de- 
livered by the Brother Jean Baptiste Aveilhe, Deputy Grand Inspector 
General and Prince Mason, to the Brother Pierre^ Bupont Belorme, 
Deputy Grand Inspector General and Prince Mason, at Port au Prince, in 
the Island of Santo Domingo, on the 10th of December, 1797, contain- 
ing the same and other documents. In this book there is attached to 
each document a copy of the Certificate that they are correct copies of 
the Brothers Hyman Isaac Long, Jean Baptiste Marie De la Hogue, Au- 
guste De Grasse, Dominique Saint Paul, Alexis Claude Robin, and Remy 
Victor Petit, Deputy Inspectors General and Prince Masons, given at 
Charleston, on the 9th of June, 1797, with the Certificate of Brother 
Aveilhe, dated 10th December, 1797, and each is vise by the Brother 
De Grasse, as Sovereign Grand Inspector General Thirty-third degree, on 
the 12th March, 1802." 

" In the copies in this latter book there are many obvious errors ; but 
in substance they agree with those more accurately made by the Brother 
Delahogue. The copies in the Recueil des Actes, differ in many respects 
from both. Some of the variations are evidently caused by alterations 
purposely made, of later date. 

" The copy in the Recueil des Actes is the later one. That by the 
Brother Delahogue is a copy of a copy, delivered in 1798 by the Brother 
Stephen Morin, to the Brother Henry A. Franchen, and is evidently the 
most authentic. 

" We therefore lay before the reader, the original French of these Con- 
stitutions and Regulations, and of the other Statutes, according to this 
earlier copy, with an accurate translation, remarking only, that even in 
this copy there are some obviovs mistakes, which however it is not in our 
power to correct, &c." 

These manuscript books w^ere the work of Delahogue and Aveilhe. 
They were written in 1797 and 1798, and had been copied, re-copied and 
written over again, as one took a copy from the other,* each giving his own 
version and ideas as his feelings prompted him. Hence the size and ver- 
biage, and hence the important confession thai no two copies agree. All 
of them are different. The copy here given is believed to be the most 



DOCUMENTS. 311 

authentic, and yet at the very commencement it is headed " Orients of 
Paris and Berliny Also that these articles are drawn up by the nine 
Commissioners appointed by the Grand Council of the Sovereign Princes 
of the Royal Secret, at the Grand Orients of Paris aud Berlin (altered 
to Bordeaux by the author). Now it is perfectly well known, and gen- 
erally conceded, by all authors, that there never was any Orient of the 
kind at Berlin, that no commissioners were ever appointed from thence, 
and that all the accounts we have of the preparation of these Thirty-five 
Articles, place them at Bordeaux, and the Commissioners appointed from 
that City and Paris. In fact all the other copies of this document give 
their version, as described, viz. : at Bordeaux. And it will be evident to 
every candid reader, that the word " Berlin''' is gratuitous altogether, in- 
asmuch as it is not mentioned in the body of the document, or even an 
allusion made to it. 

Second. — " The Secret Constitutions— -as ancient as the world." It is 
also equally well known and as universally conceded, that there never 
was any " Secret Constitutions " for the government of the Order, except 
those which were manufactured in the City of Charleston, after the year 
1801 — carried from thence by De Grasse to France, and published some 
years afterwards in the " Recueil des Actes du Supreme Conseil,''^ which 
he himself established there. The Grand Orient of France has long since 
scouted the idea ; and there are no bodies of Masons, of any rite what- 
ever, except those of Charleston and her adherents, which receive this 
assertion in any other way than that of a mere fabrication. And the an- 
tiquity of all Secret Constitutions extends back as far as the year 1802 
of the Christian Era. 

Third. — The introduction, wherein so much is said concerning the 
lives of the Patriarchs, Perfection, Purity, Innocence, Candor, and so on 
through the whole, manifests such a vast degree of Ignorance and Folly, 
that a person of the most common intellect would not have patience to 
attempt a particular refutation. It speaks for itself, and commends itself 
to the attention of its readers, as a miserable falsehood throughout. 
When it is remembered that the rite itself sprung into being about the 
year 1*740 of the Christian Era, was then bo?'n, and is not yet 150 years 
of age, all this talk about the Patriarchs and Knights who professed it in 
the primitive age of the world, or many thousand years ago, will appear 
in its true colors. 

Fourth. — The very first Article of the Constitution declares, that no 
person shall be initiated into the Sacred Mysteries of this eminent degree, 
unless he complies with what is required of him by "the religion of 



312 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

HIS COUNTRY," where he must have necessarily imbibed its venerable 
principles ; nor unless that is certified by three Princes Masons. As there 
are many kinds of Religion — so called — in the various portions of the 
habitable globe, many of which are entirely unlike each other, as Jews, 
Protestants, Catholics, Mormons, Mahoramedans, Brahmins, &c., &c., it 
presents the subject in a rather curious light to the well informed Free 
Mason, especially to one who is acquainted with the doctrines which the 
degrees inculcate. But it is not worth the trouble to go into the criticism 
of such a mass of pure nonsense, and it will be far preferable that every 
reader should judge for himself. 

The spirit of this Constitution is opposed to Masonic law and usage, 
as administered at the present day, and if acted upon, would completely 
overthrow the whole Masonic system as practiced here. 



PART FIRST. 



Valley of New Orleans, July 30th, 1853. 
To the M. III. Brethren, Lieut. Grand Commander, Officers, and Mem- 
bers of the Supreme Council, sittiiig at New Orleans : 
Most III. Brethren : 
Circumstances which I am unable to control, but (I must say) inde- 
pendent of the rejection of the Resolutions which were discussed in our 
last sitting, have placed me in the necessity of tendering my resignation, 
both as Commander and Member of this Supreme Council : and I there- 
fore hereby respectfully tender it to you. 

Please, M. 111. Brethren, to accept my sincere thanks for the confidence 
which you have placed on me, and the vows which I make for your pros- 
perity. I will, with an ever new pleasure, remember the moments of 
happiness, which I have now and then enjoyed, during our Masonic inter- 
course. 

As I have accounts to settle with the Council, I respectfully ask that a 
Committee be appointed to that effect. 

I remain, M. 111. Brethren, under the signs, battery and numbers known 
to us, 

Your most respectful Servant and Brother, 

James Foulhouze, 33d, 



DOCUMENTS. 313 

New Orleans, 19th December, 1853. 
To the Supreme Council of the 33c^ degree, in the Valley of New Orleans : 

Illustrious Sovereigns : 
I resign all office and membership in your Council. 
Yours respectfully, 

T. Wharton Collens. 

East of New Orleans, December 20th, 1853. 
Jn. Bte. Faget, Treasurer of the Supreme Council of 33ds, sitting at the 

Valley of New Orleans. 
To the M. P. Grand Commander, and Members of said Council : 
M. P. Bros. : 
The second year of my office as Treasurer of this Council expires this 
year ; I beg you to accept my resignation as such ; also as active member 
of said Council, having been in active service therein since its foundation. 
My age and infirmities compel me to address you this request. 

I have the favor to salute you by the Masonic numbers, which are known 
to you, and the honors which are due to you. 
Your Brother, 

Jn. Bte. Faget. 

My books and accounts are ready ; also a balance to credit of the 
Council, which I will hand over to the Brothers who will be entrusted 
with that mission. 

To the Supreme Council of the 33c? degree, sitting at New Orleans : 
Most Illustrious Inspectors : 

The second year of my service, as Secretary of your M. 111. Body, ex- 
pires this day, 3d Wednesday of December, 1853; and as my profane 
occupations prevent me from participating any longer in your labors, and 
still less from keeping the books thereof, I send you my resignation as 
Secretary, and as member of this Supreme Council, and I beg you to 
appoint a Committee to whom I shall deliver your books and archives. 
I am, with the greatest respect, M. 111. Bros., 
Your humble servant, 

J. J. E. Massicott. 
[No date to this communication.] 

N. B. — Messrs. J. Lisbony and J. Lamothe also sent in their resigna- 
tions, but they were not accepted, because both were in arrears with the 



314 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Treasury, and upon their peremptory refusal to pay such arrears, their 
names were stricken off the rolls. 

The members who remained dissolved that Council in 1855. 

Lamarre^ 'page 104. 

Previous to the dissolution of the Supreme Council, viz. : August 12th, 
1854, a letter was addressed to the Supreme Council at Charleston by C. 
Samor)^, C. Maurian, and Ch. LafFon de Ladebat, in the name, and by 
order of, the remaining members of the Supreme Council at New Or- 
leans. Article 7th of the agreement proposed by the latter, and accepted 
by the Supreme Council at Charleston, is as follows : — 

" That in the event it is decided that Louisiana is not entitled to a Su- 
preme Council, the body now existing, and assuming that right, will be 
dissolved, and will transfer all its rights and powers, to the Grand Con- 
sistory founded in 1813, which body will, by a Concordat, unite itself 
with the Consistory founded in this valley, by the Supreme Council of the 
Southern jurisdiction, and henceforth said two bodies will form the Grand 
Consistory of the State of Louisiana, and administer under the authority 
of the said Supreme Council for the Southern jurisdiction of the United 
States of America, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, within the 
limits of the State of Louisiana." 



PEELIMINARIES 

BETWEEN THE CONSISTORY OF 1813 AND THAT OF 1852. 

Whereas, by a Convention entered into, between the Charleston and 
the New Orleans Supreme Councils of the o3d degree, it has been agreed 
and resolved, that the legality and right of the latter body, to sit in New 
Orleans, and exercise jurisdiction over the Ancient and Accepted Scottish 
Rite, within the hmits of the State of Louisiana, or any other part of the 
United States of America, ivill be submitted to the decision of the first 
named body, and that its decision, whether favorable to, or against the 
New Orleans Council, will be considered by said body as binding and 
settling for ever the question of its rights and pretensions. 

Whereas, by Article 7th of said Convention it is stipulated that, in 
case the decision of the Charleston Council is adverse to the legality of 
the New Orleans Council and its right to sit in New Orleans, and exer- 
cise jurisdiction over the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite within the 
limits of the State (Jf Louisiana, or any other part of the United States 



DOCUMENTS. 315 

of America, the New Orleans Council will be dissolved, and shall transfer 
all the rights it has exercised, as the constituting and administering power 
of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, to its Consistorial Chamber 
of Princes of the Royal Secret, 32d degree, which body was constituted 
in 1813, and has exercised jurisdiction over said Rite, from said dale up 
to 1839, at which time the Supreme Council was founded, and the 
powers of said Consistory transferred to said Council. 

Whereas, by the same said Article Tth of said Convention, it is pro- 
vided that in the event above referred to, the Consistory of 1813, and the 
Consistory constituted in this city on the 2d day of February, 1852, by 
the Charleston Council, shall unite together and form but one Consistory, 
under the Charter and Constitutions of the Consistory of 1852, and exer- 
cise, under the jurisdiction of the Charleston Council, the sole right and 
power of constituting bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, 
and administering the same within the Hmits of the State of Louisiana. 

And Whereas, by a resolution of the New Orleans Council, under date 
of November 18th, 1854, C. E., it is required that, before the question of 
its rio-hts is submitted to the Charleston Council, the two above named 
Consistories shall adopt the Articles of Agreement of their Union, in case 
the decision of the Charleston Council makes it necessary that they should 
form but one body. 

It is agreed between the Consistory of 1852, under the jurisdiction of 
the Charleston Council, represented by Bros. Edward Barnett, A. Foster 
Elliott, and John Claiborne, on the one part. 

And the Consistory of 1813, under the New Orleans Council, repre- 
sented by Bros. C. Samory, Charles Laffon de Ladebat, and A. R. Morel, 
on the other part. 

Article I. That the Consistory of 1813 will transfer all the Rights, 
Powers and Privileges it has exercised since its creation, to the Consistory 
of 1S52, of which body all the active members only of said Consistory 
of 1813, shall become ipso facto active members, and all bodies now 
under the jurisdiction of the New Orleans Council, and which will be 
under the jurisdiction of said Consistory of 1813, shall be urged and in- 
vited, to place themselves under the jurisdiction of the United Consis- 
tories. 

Article II. That the said body — the United Consistories — shall, 
henceforth, be under the jurisdiction and authority of the Charleston 
Council, the sole and only constituting and administering authority of the 
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite within the limits of the State of 
Louisiana. 



316 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Article III. That immediately after the Union of the two Consis- 
tories, an election of all the Officers of the United Consistory shall take 
place, and Rules and By-Laws for the government of said body, and of 
the bodies under its jurisdiction, shall be adopted and promulgated in the 
English and French Languages. 

Article lY. That all the bodies under the jurisdiction of the Con- 
sistory of 1813, at the time of its union with the Consistory 1852, or 
bodies holding Charters or Constitutions, not revoked and annulled, from 
the Consistory of 1813, since its foundation, or from the New Orleans 
Supreme Council, shall be admitted under the jurisdiction of the United 
Consistories, free of any charge, except the Secretary's fees, fixed at $ — , 
for new Charters or Constitutions, provided that all the said bodies which 
are, or may be in a state of inactivity, resume their labors, and apply for 
their Charters and Constitutions, within six months from the date of the 
Union of the two Consistories. 

Article V. That all the travelling, and other expenses, attending the 
visit of 111. Bro. Albert G. Mackey for the purpose of completing the pro- 
posed arrangements, will be paid by each Consistory in equal shares. 

Article VI. The consent given to this agreement by the Consistory 
of 1852, to be ratified by the Charleston Supreme Council, New Orleans, 
January 30th, 1855. 

C. Samory, 33d, ) rr u^ x ^z. 

n T T ooj ( Committee of the 

Ch. Laffon be Ladebat, 33d, \ CoTi^i^fory o/" 1 fin 

A. R. Morel, 33d, ) tonststoii/ oj 1813. 

A. Foster Elliott, 3 2d, ) ^ ... . .. 

John Claiborke, 32d, [ CommUtee of m 

Edward Barnett, 32d, ) Comistory of 1852. 



CONCORDAT 

Of Articles of Union, concluded between the Supreme Council sitting at 
New Orleans, in the State of Louisiana, and the Supreme Council for the 
Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, sitting at Charleston, in the 
State of South Carolina. 

3Jn tl)e Name ot t!)c ©franti ^t£|)itect of tjje sanibcrse. 

I. From and after the ratification and signing of this Concordat, the 
Supreme Council which, since the year 1839, held its sessions in the City 
of New Orleans, of which Bro. C. Claiborne is the M. P. Sovereign 



DOCUMENTS. 317 

Grand Commander, by the voluntary act of its own members, ceases for- 
ever to exist, and all the rights, powers and prerogatives heretofore as- 
sumed by the said Supreme Council are hereby surrendered in perpetuity 
to the Supreme Council sitting at Charleston, of which Bro. John H. 
Honour is M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander ; to which Supreme Coun- 
cil at Charleston, as the legal and Constitutional head of the Ancient and 
Accepted Rite within the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, the 
members of the aforesaid Supreme Council at New Orleans, and the 
Consistories, Chapters, Councils and Lodges, under its jurisdiction, at the 
time of the Ratification of these Articles, do hereby acknowledge true 
fealty and allegiance. 

II. The two Consistories of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 
heretofore existing in New Orleans, shall be united and merged into one 
Consistory, upon the terms agreed to in the Concordat, entered into by 
said Consistories on the 30th day of January, 1855. 

III. All the active members of the late Supreme Council at New Or- 
leans, on taking the oath of allegiance between the hands of Bro. Albert 
G. Mackey, M. D. Illustrious Secretary General of the Holy Empire, and 
Special Representative of the Supreme Council at Charleston, shall be 
acknowledged to be true and lawful Sovereign Grand Inspectors General 
of the Thirty-third degree, and shall be furnished with Patents to that 
effect, free of all charges, by the Supreme Council at Charleston, except 
the necessary fees of expense. 

IV. The active members of the Supreme Council at New Orleans, 
are hereby elected and declared to be honorary members of the Supreme 
Council at Charleston, for the Southern jurisdiction of the United States. 

V. Of the said late active members of the Supreme Council at New 
Orleans, now declared to be honorary members of the Supreme Council 
at Charleston, the following members, viz. : Charles Claiborne, C. Samory, 
Ch. Laffon de Ladebat, F. A. Lumsden, C. Maurian, A. R. Morel, J. L. 
Lewis, P. M. Chassaniol, and J. L. Tissot, are hereby appointed Deputies 
of the said Supreme Council at Charleston, and invested with the general 
supervision of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, in the State of Louisiana, 
subject however to the superior authority and control of the Supreme 
Council at Charleston. 

VI. But the said Deputies at New Orleans, of the Supreme Council 
at Charleston, shall never confer the Thirty-third degree on any person 
whatsoever, without having first obtained the consent of the said Supreme 
Council at Charleston, and they shall, in all things relating to the Ancient 
and Accepted Rite, be subject to the Constitution and Laws of the said Su- 



318 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

preme Council, so far as they do not contravene the terms of the present 
Concordat. 

VII. All those brethren who have received the Thirty-third degree 
from the Supreme Council at New Orleans, prior to its dissolution, but 
who are not, at the time of the ratification of this Concordat, active 
members of the same ; and all those brethren who have received any of 
the Inferior degrees, from the Fourth to the Thirty-second inclusive, in any 
of the bodies under the jurisdiction of the said Supreme Council, will be 
acknowledged in their respective grades by the Supreme Council at Charles- 
ton, on their taking the necessary oath of allegiance to the said Supreme 
Council at Charleston, and on their signifying their consent to, and concur- 
rence with, the terms of the present Concordat, and. Provided also that the 
said acknowledgement is recommended and advised by two-thirds of the 
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General in Louisiana, acting as the Deputies 
of the Supreme Council at Charleston ; and no such acknowledgement 
and recognition in their respective grades, of any persons who have re- 
ceived any of the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, from the 
Fourth to the Thirty-third inclusive, in any body under the jurisdiction 
of the late Supreme Council at New Orleans, will be made by the Su- 
preme Council at Charleston, either now or at any time hereafter, unless 
upon and with the aforesaid recommendation and advisement of two-thirds 
of the aforesaid Sovereign Grand Inspectors General in Louisiana, acting 
as the Deputies of the Supreme Council at Charleston. 

VIII. The Supreme Council at Charleston will grant Warrants of 
Constitution to all Chapters, Councils or Lodges, now existing under the 
jurisdiction of the Supreme Council at New Orleans, Provided the said 
bodies shall be recommended in the manner prescribed in the 7th Article, 
and Provided their members shall previously take the required oath of 
allegiance to the Supreme Council at Charleston aforesaid. And the said 
Warrants shall be granted free of all charges, except. the fees of expense. 

IX. In testimony of these presents, this Concordat shall be signed by 
the Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander, the P. Sov. Lieut. Grand 
Commander, and the Illustrious Secretary General of the Holy Empire, 
of each Supreme Council, and the respective seals of the Supreme Coun- 
cils affixed. 

Signed and sealed as prescribed, at Charleston, on the 18th day of Se- 
bat, A. M. 5615, and at New Orleans, on the 29th day of Sebat, A. M. 
5615, respectively corresponding to the 6th and lYth days of February, 
A. D. 1855. 



DOCUMENTS. 



319 



Supreme Council 
at New Orleans. 

[L. S.] 



Supreme Council 
at Charleston. 



f Chs. Claiborne, 33d, P. S. G. C. 
1 C. Samorv, 33d, P. S. L. G. C. 
^ Ch. Laffon de Ladebat, 33d, P. S. G. C. G. 

S. 0. T. G. E. 

John H. Honour, R. i^ K. H. S. P. R. S. S. 
G. I. G. 33d, 

Sovereign Grand Commander. 
C. M. FuRMAN, R. 4<, K. H. S. P. R. S. S. G. 
I. G. 33d, 

III. Lieut. Grand Commander. 
Albert G. MACKEr, M. D., R. ^ K. H. S. 
P. R. S. S. G. I. G. 33d. 

Secretary General II. E. 

Certified as a true copy, by Ch. Laffon de Ladebat, 33d, G. Sec. 
Dep. Supreme Council at Charleston. 

Certified as deposited in the archives of Grand Consistory at New Or- 
leans, by Thomas F.Bragg, 33d, G. Chancellor G. Consistory, Louisiana. 




REMARKS BY THE AUTHOR. 

By a careful perusal of this document, the whole story of the disaffec- 
tion in 1853, of many of the members of the Supreme Council of Louis- 
iana toward the Council itself, the withdrawal of those who stood firm, 
the intrigue entered into with the Charleston body, the Preliminaries, the 
Concordat, the discontinuance of the Supreme Council and the erection 
of a Consistory, the dependent of the Charleston body, is told. We 
leave out of the question, the means made use of in order to bring about 
this event, as well as the merits or demerits of the case. It is our place 
to give " the facts r 

But we must be permitted to say, that this does appear to us to be a 
most marvellous affair, especially when wo remember that the foundation of 
the New Orleans body, was laid in the year 1813 ; that it continued, first 
as a Consistory, afterward as a Supreme Council, until the year 1853 — a 
period of Forty years — in activity, acknowledged by all legitimate bodies 
at home and abroad ; during all of which period it was persecuted and 
beset by the Charleston body in a most unjustifiable manner, perhaps un- 
paralleled in Masonic history, and yet, at the end of this long period, the 
members consent to have the Charleston body sit in judgment upon them, 



320 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

and Decide whether they shall continue or cease^ whether they were right 
or lurong^ and bind themselves to the most implacable enemy the body 
ever had, to abide by its decisions respecting them. We leave this extra- 
ordinary development to the reader without any further comment. 

The reply of the Supreme Council, composed of the withdrawing mem- 
bers, follows this production, Anno 1859. 



i30€:3"cjm^Eii!^T i^o- so. 

PART SECOND. 

REPLY OF SUPREME COU^^CIL, NEW ORLEANS, LA. 

(1858:— Printed in 1859.) 

Ad Universi Terrarum Orhis Architecti Gloriam, 

Ordo mh €ha&. 

Vignette. Wmu ^tum^ut 3un, 



nptmt Cnnnril 



OF THE ^ 

MOST ILL. SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTORS GENERAL, 

OF THE 

ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF MASONRY, 

SITTING m THE YALLET OF NEW ORLEANS, lOIJISIANA. 



STATEMENT, 

On the 17th of October, 1839, the Most 111/. Brothers, i)e Santangelo 
(who was created a 83d in the valley of New York, on the 16th of No- 
vember, 1827, by the M. 111. Bro, Joseph Gerneau, then the M. P. Sov, Gr, 
Commander of the same Supreme Council, over which the M. 111. Bro, 
Elias Hicks had presided in 1836, and which was known in the Masonic 
world under the name of the " United Supreme Council for the Western 
liemis'^here^'' in accordance with the title given to it by the treaty of 



DOCUMENTS. ' 321 

alliance of 1S34) ; Roca de Santi Pietri, (created a 33d in Spain, on the 
10th of April, 1832, by the National Supreme Council of that country) ; 
/. J. Conte (created and constituted Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 
by the Supreme Council of the Grand Orient of France, on the 20th of 
May, 1822); F. Bertkeaic, and R. E. de David PerdreauvilU, all So- 
vereign Grand Inspectors General, held a meeting and organized a 
Supreme Council, for the United States of America. The reason for 
which they took this title, is found in the fact, that the " United Supreme 
Council for the Western Hemisphere^'' which, in 1836, existed in the 
City of New York, under the Grand Commandership of T. M. 111. Bro. 
Elias Hicks, was then slumbering^ and there was no recognized authority 
for the Scotch Rite in the United States. 

The officers of the first Supreme Council sitting in New Orleans, were 
as follows : — 

Orazio de Attelis, (Marquis de Santangelo,) Grand Commander ; 

Jean Jacques Conte, Lieut. " Commander ; 

Rene Elizabeth de David Perdreauville, " Secretary ; 

Francois Frederick Bertheau, Guard of the Seals and Archives ; 

Jose Antonio Roca de Santi Pietri, Grand Treasurer ; 

GuiLLAUME Alfred Montmain, " Master of Ceremonies ; 

Jean Francois Canonge, " Expert; 

(who was created 33 d, by T. M. 111. Bro. J. J. Conte, on the 8th of 
March, 1838 ; at the same day, and by same Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. our Most 
111. Bro. the Most Respected and Venerable J. B. Faget, now active 
member of our Supreme Council, was initiated to the 33d degree) ; 

Jean Baptiste Faget, Grand Standard Bearer ; 

Louis Feraud, " Captain of the Guards. 

We give the list of the Grand Commanders who have successively pre- 
sided over this Supreme Grand Council, with the date of their Command- 
ership : — 

Orazio de Attelis, Marquis de Santangelo, October 27th, 1 839 ; 

Jean Jacques Conte, January 29th, 1842; 

Jean Francois Canonge, September 20th, 1845 ; 

James FouLHOuzE, January 31st, 1848; 

(who was created and constituted Sov. Gr. Insp. Gen. by the Supreme 
Council of the Grand Orient of France on the 27th of September, 1845. 
He is not the founder of the Supreme Council, as has been vainly sup- 
posed, but succeeded Jean Francois Canonge, who was the legitimate suc- 
cessor of Conte, who succeeded Santangelo, the founder of this Council) ; 

Charles Claiborne, January 7th, 1854; 



322 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

(Under the commandership of this M. 111. Bro. a " Concordat " was signed 
on the one side by Messrs. Charles Claiborne, Claude Samory and Charles 
Laftbn de Ladebat, and on the other by Messrs. J. H, Honour, G. M. 
Furman and Albert G. Mackey. These gentlemen declared in this "(7o?i- 
cordaf' — 1st. That the works of the Supreme Council, sitting at New 
Orleans since 1839, had been illegal, spurious and clandestine ; 2d. That 
the only legal and legitimate authority for the Scotch Masons, was that of 
the Supreme Council of Charleston for the Philosophical and Capitular de- 
grees, and that of the Grand Lodge of the York rite for the "jB/mc degrees^ 

There was no meeting of the Supreme Council occurring from the 
month of February, 1865, the date of the " Charleston Concordat'''' till 
the Vth of October, 1856. It is not useless here to state that as soon as 
the M. 111. Bro. James Foulhouze, Thomas Wharton Collens, and J. J. E. 
Massicott, heard of this treacherous and infamous concordat, they 
held a Special Meeting, and after having duly protested, they declared the 
Supreme Council to be still in existence, and continued its works.) 
J. J. E. Massicott, October Vth, 1856. 

(At a Special Meeting, at which were called T. M. 111. Bro. Pierre 
Soule, J. B. Faget, James Foulhouze, Jean Lamothe, Thomas Wharton 
Collens, J. J. E. Massicott, Juan Bachens, J. B. Broue, Louis Dufau, Re- 
main Brugier and Joseph Lisbony, it was unanimously Resolved^ That, at 
the request of several Scotch Masonic bodies, the Supreme Council should 
receive them under its jurisdiction, and temporary officers were immedi- 
ately appointed — T. M. 111. Bro. Massicott was then unanimously elected.) 
James Foulhouze, April 22d, 1857. 

At a Special Meeting, held on the 2 2d April, 1857, the officers who 
had been appointed pro tempoi^e resigned, and the following elections took 
place by a unanimous vote : — 

The Most Illustrious Brothers 

James Foulhouze, Grand Commander; 

Thomas Wharton Collens, Lieut. " Commander ; 

Louis Dufau, " Secretary; 

Joseph Lisbony, " Orator ; 

J. B. Faget, " Treasurer; 

J. J. E, Massicott, " Captain of the Guards. 

These brethren filled their offices until the month of April, when 
Eleven Sovereign Grand Inspectors General were proclaimed to have 
been elected, according to our present General Regulations, by the Blue 
Lodges of the Jurisdiction, in order to exercise Governmental authority 
during four years, viz.: from 1858 to 1862. The eleven elected were — 



DOCUMENTS. 



323 



T. M. 111. Bros. James Foiilhouze, Thomas Wharton Collens, Louis Dufau 
Joseph Lisbony, J. J. E. Massicott, L. E. Deluzain, James Gardette, J. 
Gentil, S. J. Fabio and Gustave Leroy — (one blank.) 

T. M. 111. Bi'o. Joseph Lisbony has formally resigned his office, in behalf 
of T. M. 111. Bro. Claudius W. Sears, and the M. P. Sov. Gr, Commander 
has appointed T. M. 111. Bro. Vincente A. de Castro to fill the vacancy 
denoted above by (the blank.) The Eleven exercising governmental 
powers are as follovv's : — 

The Most Illustrious Brothers. 
James Foulhouze, Grand Commander; 



Thomas Wharton Collens, 

Louis Dufau, 

Cladius W. Sears, 

James Gakdette, 

J. G. Fabio, 

L. E. Deluzain, 

J. J. E. MassicotTj 



Lieut." Commander; 

" Secretary ; 

" Orator ; 

" Treasurer ; 

" Master of Ceremonies ; 

" Standard Bearer, 

" Captain of the Guards ; 



and- the M. 111. Bros. Gustave Leroy, J. Gentil and Vincente A. de Castro. 
Besides, we give the list of all the Sov. Gr. Insp. General now active 
members of the " Supreme Council," in and for the Sovereign and In- 
dependent State of Louisiana*, sitting in the valley of New Orleans. We 
indicate, at the same time, the year and month, in which they were raised 
to the 33d degree : — 

Pierre Soule, 

J. B. Paget, 

James Foulhouze, 

Jean Lamothe, 

Thomas Wharton Collens, 

J. J. E. Massicott, 



Juan Baching, 
J. B Broue, 
Louis Dufau, 

ROMAIN BkUGIERE, 

Joseph Lisbony, 
L. E. Deluzain, 
Charles Bienvenu, 
James Gardette, 
Henry Range, 
J. Gentil, 
Gustave Leroy, 



March 8th, 1838; 
" 8th, 1838; 
September 27th, 1845; 
27th, 1845; 
June 22d, 1849;' 
May 2d, 1851 ; 

" 2d, 1851 ; 
February 11th, 1852; 
May 13th, 1853; 

" 13th, 1853 ; 

" 13th, 1853; 
Febuary 3d, 1 855 ; 
June 2Gth, 1857; 

» 26th, 1857; 

" 26th, 1857; 
July 1st, 1857 ; 
August 28th, 1857; 



324 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

S. G. Fabio, August 28th, 1857 ; 

ViNCENTE A, DE Castro, March 14th, 1858 ; 

J. Lasalle, " 14th, 1858; 

D. Michel, " 14th, 1858 ; 

Jeremie Collon, " 14th, 1858 ; 

Emile Boulin, November Stb, 1858 ; 

Cladius W. Sears, " 14th, 1858 ; 

H. F. Zernecke, " 14th, 1858 ; 

P. Petitjean, December 15th, 1858; 

Henry Remy, " 15th, 1858; 

Ed. Marc, February 6th, 1859 ; 

August Dudoussat, " 6th, 1859 ; 

F. W. C. St. Marc, " 6th, 1859. 
The Supreme Council now has under its jurisdiction Eighteen Symbolic 

Lodges (Blue degrees). Fourteen Rose Croix Chapters, and Twelve Coun- 
cils of Kadosch. 

(One body then petitioning — viz. : Bienville and Prudence Lodge — 
making " Twenty^) 



DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES. 

The Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General for the 
State of Louisiana promulgated on the 14th July, 1858, the following 
Preamble and Resolutions — 
Considering 

1st. That the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, in the strict main- 
tainance, and as the legitimate conservator of the principles governing the 
institution of Free Masonry, as it existed anterior to the period when a 
body of schismatics gave form and embodiment to the widest innovations, 
under the title of " Ancient York Rite, finds its legitimate sphere in 
bringing mind in contact with mind, for the preservation of social, po- 
litical, and religious liberty, and is therefore eminently a philsophical in- 
stitution, having for its scope all subjects appertaining to the welfare of 
man as an intellectual and social being. 

2d. That the Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite, being widely dis- 
similar from all other rites of Free Masonry, in the model it furnishes of a 
well ordered form of Republican government, in its tendencies, teachings 
and ceremonies, it cannot in any manner be blended with them, without 
losing its chief characteristics, and consequently its claim to be considered 



DOCUMENTS, 325 

as an independent Masonic institution, the conservator of the Ancient and 
Accepted Scotch Rite, in its original purity. 

3d. That the Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite, although introduced 
into these United States, at an earlier period than any other rile of Free 
Masonry, is now scarcely known, and where known, is considered subser- 
vient to, and dependent upon, the York rite, we have to deplore the weak- 
ness and truculency of those who have sacrificed the independence and 
integrity of the Scotch Rite, to the gratification of personal vanity, and 
lust for power and empty honors, by relinquishing to the York rite, the 
most obligatory and important of their duties as Scotch Free Masons — 
to wit : Jurisdiction over, and work in, its first three degrees. 

4th. That the Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite claims, and has as 
good grounds for maintaining the Sovereignty of State Masonic jurisdic- 
tion, as the York Rite, and that consequently every State in this Union is 
entitled to, and should have, a Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand In- 
spectors General, for the government of the Scotch Rite of Free Masonry 
within her limits. 

5th. That three Inspectors General, who have been regularly initiated 
to the several degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite, enjoy 
plenary powers to establish a Supreme Council in any State of the Union, 
where none exists, enjoying entire independence of Supreme Councils in 
other States or countries. 

6th. That as the Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite finds itself almost 
entirely unknown in the United States, as a consequence of the preposter- 
ous and unfounded claims set up by a Supreme Council at Charleston, in 
the State of South Carohna, and countenanced by the York rite, to a juris- 
diction embracing the whole of North America. 

'Zth. That this claim is based upon certain documents, called the Con- 
stitutions and Secret Institutes of 1786, as bearing the authority of Fred- 
erick II. of Prussia, giving form to the Ancient and Accepted Scotch 
Rite in 33 degrees, establishing a hereditary Supreme governing power in 
the City of Charleston, for the Scotch Rite in America, through all time. 

8th. That the Constitutions and Secret Institutes of 1786 are an Impo- 
siTiox, and never issued from the hand of Frederick II., of which we 
have |X)sitive and irrefragable testimony : that the Ancient and Accepted 
Scotch Rite existed complete, in its 33 degrees, twenty-five years anterior 
to 178G, that is, in 1761 : and that in 1763 there were Sovereign Grand 
Inspectors General of the 33d degree in these United States, and that 
they established a Supreme Council at Newport, in the State of Rhode 
Island : and that Frederick II, never had the power of constituting him- 



326 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

self as the head and Supreme power of any Masonic rite theti in existence, 
and for making laws which should govern that rite throughout the face of 
the earth, and for all time. 

9th. That the Grand Lodges of the York Rite, in the United States, have 
given countenance to the pretensions of the body in Charleston, to heredi- 
tary supreme power and jurisdiction over the Scotch Rite in the Urited 
States of America, for the purpose of maintaining their own unfounded 
and preposterous claim to exclusive jurisdiction over the first three degrees 
of Free Masonry, holding that there can be no legitimate Masonry in the 
United States, which does not acknowledge the supremacy, and exclusive 
jurisdiction of the York rite. 

10th. That the York rite in the United States has endeavored to up- 
hold the claims of the Charleston body, for a period of full seventy -five 
years, in direct and explicit violation of the great principles of liberty and 
of State Rights, maintained for their Rite, and in the face of the solemn 
protests of all Scotch Masons not allied with the Charleston body. 

11th. That the York Grand Lodges of the United States, by upholding 
the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana, in an ignominious, persecuting 
warfare during many years, against a respectable body of Scotch Masons 
are perpetuating a spirit of intolerance and bigotry as widely at variance 
with the principles which obtain in American institutions, as in true Free 
Masonry, and thereby expose the fraternity to the charge of being an in- 
tolerant, denunciatory society, to be avoided by all liberal minded, order 
loving citizens. 

12th. That the York Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana, by mis- 
representation at the Grand Orient of France, to the effect that a body of 
Scotch Masons were creating dissensions in the State, under color of 
authority from that body, prevailed upon its Grand Master, Lucien Murat, 
a man wholly unacquainted with the institution of Free Masonry, to ex- 
tend his jurisdiction over the Scotch Masons of Louisiana, ordering them 
to disband their organization, and to acknowledge the supremacy and 
authority of York Grand Lodges, and their creature, the Supreme Council 
of Charleston. 

13th. That the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors Gen- 
eral for the Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite in the State of Louisiana, 
was legally established in the year 1839, and that it was solemnly recog- 
nized by, and entered upon amicable terms of correspondence with, the 
Grand Orient of France, in the year 1842, as the only Supreme Council 
in the United States, never recognizing, or deriving the slightest authority 
from the Grand Orient, and in no manner amenable to it. 



DOCUMENTS. 327 

14tb. That the Grand Orient could not recognize the Supreme Council 
of Charleston, with, its pretensions to being the origin and source of all 
power, for the establishment of Supreme Councils over the surfiice of the 
earth, while the Supreme Council of France was modestly recognized by 
the Charleston body as the only legitimate authority for the Scotch Rite 
throughout the French dominions. 
Therefore^ he it Resolved^ 

By the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General 33d 
degree, of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the State of Louis- 
iana, in Special meeting, duly assembled and opened : 

1st. That in the strict maintainance of a declaration in the Treaty of 
Alliance of 1834, signed on the part of the Scotch Masons of the United 
States, by their Representative, Lafayette^ in words as follows : " That no 
Masonic body of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, nor any asso- 
ciation derinng from it, shall, under any pretext whatever, acknowledge 
the jurisdiction of any body or association of another Masonic Rite : under 
no form of designation can it legally become a section of, or be dependent 
upon, any Masonic body of another Rite,'' we protest against all infiinge- 
ment, whether at home or abroad, upon our hberties and independence as 
a legally constituted Masonic body of the Scotch Rite. 

2d. That there can be no legally constituted authority for the Scotch 
Rite in the State of Louisiana, dependent on, and forming a section of 
the York Grand Lodge. 

3d. That under no circumstances can we recognize the Charleston body 
as a legally constituted authority for the Scotch Rite, as it never observed 
the fundamental principles of the Rite, and has no claim to be considered 
a Masonic body — as Louisiana, we acknowledge no Masonic authority 
foreign to our State. 

4th. That this Supreme Council invites all Masonic bodies, of whatever 
Rite, in respectable standing to a Fraternal correspondence and inter- 
change of communications, and that our Grand Secretary be requested to 
take the initiative, wherever he may deem desirable. 
(Signed.) 

James Foulhouze, M. P. Sov. Grand Commander ; 
Thomas Wharton Collens, Lieut. Grand Commander; 
(A certified copy — Signed.) 

Louis DuFAu, G. C. G. S. 0. T. H. E. 



328 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



THE CHARLESTON EXCOMMUNICATION. 

Ad Universi Terrarum Orbis Summi Architecti Gloriam. 

Ordo ab Chao. 

SUPEEME COUICIL 

F F T H E 

SOUTHERl^ JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

SITTING AT CHARLESTON, S. C. 

At a Special Session of the Supreme Council for the Southern Juris- 
diction of the United States, held at Charleston on Saturday the 20th 
March, 1858, answering to the 5th day of the month Nisan, A. M. 5618, 
certain documents from our delegates in New Orleans having been read 
and ordered by the M. P. Grand Commander, Bro. John H. Honour, to 
be filed in the archives, the following resolution was unanimously adopted : 

Whereas^ James Foulhouze, of New Orleans, calling himself a mem- 
ber of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, and now residing within the juris- 
diction of this Supreme Council, has organized a spurious Council and 
other bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Rite in the said City of New 
Orleans, without the least shadow of right or prerogative so to do, and is 
thereby producing discord in the Jurisdiction of Louisiana, and defying 
the authority of our Delegates there legally appointed : Therefore, 

Resolved, That the said James Foulhouze be hereby expelled from all 
the rights and privileges of Masonry in the Ancient and Accepted Rite, 
and that his name be recorded as such in red letters. 

I hereby certify the above to be an exact transcript from the Records 
of the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction. 



L. S. \ Albert G. Mackby, M. D., 33d, 

Sec, Gen. H. E. 



DOCUMENTS. ^ 329 

Valley of New Orleans, this 26t}^ day of Tisri, A. M. 5619, ) 
October 4th, 1858, V. E. ) 

The Deputies of the Supreme Council at Charleston, for the State of 
Louisiana, viz.: T. 111. Bros. J. Q. Fellows, 3M; John L. Lewis, 33d; 
Charles Claiborne, 33d ; Charles Laflfon de Ladebat, 33d ; A. R. Morel, 
33d; Harmon Doane, 33d ; Thomas F. Bragg, 33d; — 111. Bros. Albert 
Pike and F. A. Lumsden being absent ; — 

Have unanimously adopted the following Preamble and Resolutions — 

" Whereas, a Decree of Expulsion, issued by the Supreme Council at 
Charleston, under date of March 20th, 1858, V. E., against James Foul- 
houze, who styles himself Grand Commander of the Ancient and Accepted 
Scotch Rite in Louisiana, has been transmitted to the Deputies in this 
valley, of the Supreme Council at Charleston. 

" Whereas, aBalustre, No. 6047, under date of August 4th, 1858, V. 
E., directed by the Grand Orient of France to said James Foulhouze, has 
also been transmitted to the aforesaid Deputies. 

" Whe?'eas, said Balustre, a copy of which duly signed, sealed and 
certified by the Grand Orient of France, is deposited in the Archives of 
the Deputies aforesaid, was handed to the said Ja7nes Foulhouze by 111. 
Bro. John L. Lewis, 33d, on the first day of October, 1858. 

" Whereas, the Grand Orient of France has acknowledged and declared 
on several occasions, and recently by its decree of June 1st, 1858, and 
the aforesaid Balustre, that the Supreme Council sitting at Charleston, in 
the State of South Carolina, United States of America, is the only *S'w- 
prerne Constituting and Governing Authority of the Ancient and Accepted 
Scotch Rite, for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of Amer- 
ica, and that for more than Thirty years, relations of Amity have existed 
between it and the aforesaid Supreme Council. 

" Whereas, it is all important that the Masons and Professors of this 
East, should be officially informed of the irregularity of the self-styled 
Supreme Council for the Sovereign and Independent State of Louisiana, 
and that they be duly cautioned against any attempt, having for its object 
to induce them to become members of an organization, unanimously dis- 
approved of and condemned by the lawful Masonic powers of the Globe, 
and most explicitly by the Grand Orient of France, whose protection said 
James Foulhouze had flattered himself to obtain for his adherents. 

" Resolced, That one thousand copies of the aforesaid decree of the 
Supreme Council at Charleston, and Balustre of the Grand Orient of 



330 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

France to James Foulhouze, be printed in the French and English lan- 
guages, and distributed forthwith in this valley, and wherever necessary. 
J. Q. A. Fellows, 33d, John L. Lewis, 33d, 

Charles Claiborne, 33d, A. R. Morel, 33d, 

Ch. La.ffon de Ladebat, 33d, Harmon Doane, 33d, 
Thomas F. Bragg, 33d. 

(A true Copy.) 

Charles Laffon de Ladebat, 33d, 
Grand Sec, Dept. Supreme Council of Charleston. 



EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES 

of the 

Sii|Kiiie Cmnidl of % Cljirt]|-t|irb aiib last ^tgrn. 

of TH E 

ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTCH RITE. 

In and for the Sovereign and Independent State of Louisiana, under 
the date of October 3d, 1858, V. U. 

The Supreme Council of the 33ds, after due convocation, met in the 
Hall of the Resp.. Emmanuel Lodge, No. V, under the Presidency of T. 
M. 111. Bro. James Foulhouze, M. P. S. Gr. Commander, the following 
active members being presen^t, and assisting, viz. : 

Thomas Wharton Collens, Lieut. Grand Commander ; 
Louis DuFAu, " Secretary of the H. E. ; 

Joseph Lisbon^, " Orator; 

James Gardette, " Treasurer ; 

S. G. Fabio, " Master of Ceremonies ; 

Gustave Leroy, Charles Bienvenu, Henri Range, J. Lasalle. 
The Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander communicated to his 
brethren a Balustre to him personally addressed by the Grand Orient of 
France, and his answer to that strange document. He then informed the 
Council, that having complied with what he held to be his personal duty, 
it was for them to comply with theirs, and that with a view to let them 
act in full liberty, he begged leave to retire. 

The Council acquiesced, requesting however, that he would be kind 
enough to return after their deliberation on that subject, and close the 



DOCUMENTS. 331 

works. When he had retired, T. M. 111. Bro. Thomas Wharton Collens 
took his seat, and M. 111. Bro. Gustave Leroy, that of Lieut. Grand Com- 
mander for the time being. 

The Grand Secretary then presented the following Preambles, Resolu- 
tions, and Protest, which were unanimously adopted : — 
Considering — 

1st. That our Supreme Council has never ceased to exist since its 
foundation in 1839; and that it was solemnly acknowledged in 1843 by 
the Grand Orient of France, as the only regular and legitimate one for 
the United States of America. 

2d. That the act by which the Supreme Council of the Grand Orient 
of France attempts to withdraw that acknowledgment, with a view to 
favor the pretended Supreme Council of Charleston, shows that its good 
faith has been surprised by the misstatements and calumnies which its 
Grand Officers have chosen to endorse. 

3d. That within the last two years our Supreme Council has, at differ- 
ent times, sent to the Supreme Council of the Grand Orient of France, 
several documents and communications, which have remained unanswered, 
either because they have been suppressed by some inimical contrivance, 
or because the principles and sentiments which they express do not suit 
the actual Grand Master of the Grand Orient. 

4th. That the Supreme Council of the Grand Orient has thereby, not 
only been untrue to its Masonic obligations, but also violated the rules of 
courtesy. 

5th. That the principles of true Scotch Free Masonry, which our Su- 
preme Council strictly follows, cannot agree with the form of government 
which now prevails in France, and that the Grand Orient, which never 
was but the humblest servant of all the various forms of government 
(without excepting the most despotic) which have there succeeded each 
other, cannot at this time work, but on a bastard and courtier like Masonry. 

6th. T|iat from public notoriety it appears that individuals calling them- 
selves Free Masons have been so unscrupulous as to send to the Grand 
Orient incorrect fragments of speeches delivered in our Lodges, and the 
Grand Orient was so weak as to give countenance to vile and contemptible 
caluninies. 

Vth. That there is no hope to put an end to such deviations from truth 
and justice, as long as the power which now rules over France has a chance 
to stand, and that our Supreme Council which openly proclaims the right 
of all nations to Political freedom, cannot think of keeping a friendly in- 



332 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

tercourse with the Grand Orient, which is now deprived of all liberty of 
action and abandoned by its most enlightened members. 

8th. That the Balustre addressed to our Most Puissant Sovereign 
Grand Commander and 111. Bro. James Foulhouze, far from being Masonic 
in its purports, on the contrary proves that its authors presume to be 
vested with the power of issuing imperial ukases and Popish bulls — and 
consequently can have no effect nor deserve any attention from us. 

9th. That in the said Balustre, Grand Inspectors of the 33d degree be- 
longing to the Supreme Council of the Grand Orient of France, dare to 
assume power over 33ds belonging to other Supreme Councils, and that 
by allowing them so to do, the Grand Orient violates not only the Masonic 
independence of Sovereign bodies which should stand with it on a perfect 
equality, but also its own Statutes by which its Jurisdiction is limited to 
France and the French possessions ; and that it is most important not to 
permit a foreign body thus to gratify its blind passions, and perpetrate 
iniquity. 

10th. That the said Balustre is a mere sequel to calumnies, and based 
on untruth, because our M. 111. Bro. James Foulhouze never did assume 
any power by and for himself, nor constitute this Supreme Council nor 
any of its subordinate bodies : and because although initiated to the 33d 
degree in the Grand Orient of France, he never did in any way or manner, 
act as an active member thereof, or by virtue of any order or power eman- 
ating from that body. 

11th. That by pretending to exact obedience from our Grand Com- 
mander James Foulhouze, on the ground that it initiated him to the 33d 
degree, the Grand Orient teaches none other than this outrageous and 
stupid doctrine, viz.: that notwithstanding his naturalization in our Re- 
public, every European remains subject to the arbitrary will and caprice 
of the Political power which he has renounced. 

12th. That the Grand Orient, at the time it initiated our Grand Com- 
mander James Foulhouze, fully knew that he (as appears from his Patent) 
was an American citizen, and therefore that it could exercise no 'authority 
over him, either Political or Masonic, while he was standing upon Ameri- 
can soil. They knew that the United States enjoy entire Masonic inde- 
pendence. 

13th. That the principle of authority, according to the interpretation 
given by the Grand Orient is the very principle which is invoked by the 
Romish church in matters of Religion : that therefore, if applied in Ma- 
sonry, which is incompatible not only with the true tenets of Scotch Free 
Masonry, but also with tho Free institutions of our Republic, and that the 



DOCUMENTS. 333 

attempt of the Grand Orient to exercise authority over American citizens 
is ludicrous in the extreme. 

14th. That our Supreme Council, in such an absurd hypothesis, would 
have the same right to enjoin M. Lucien Murat to dissolve his Grand 
Orient and all Masonic aggregations depending thereon, under penalty of 
our bulls of excommunication, both against him and his Grand Officers : 
and in the maintenance of our independence as a Masonic body of the 
Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite, we regret to see our ancient ally, the 
Grand Orient, clothing itself with ridicule, and spending its time in utter- 
ing vain and laughable menaces which, in our day, no intelligent man 
can help condemning as nonsense. 

It is therefore Resolved — 

1st. That the Supreme Council of the 33d degree, for the Sovereign 
and Independent State of Louisiana does hereby cease all intercourse with 
the Supreme Council of the Grand Orient, and that this declaration of 
non-intercourse continue in fall force until we have good evidence that 
liberty of speech, and hberty of action, be again restored to the Supreme 
Council of the Grand Orient, when again she may be freed from the sur- 
veillance of a despotic royalty. 

2d. That our Grand Secretary is hereby authorized, to send to every 
Masonic power or body on the two hemispheres, and more especially to all 
the Lodges in France and the French possessions, copies not only of these 
preambles and resolutions, but also of all the publications which this Su- 
preme Council may hereafter order in this East. 

3d. That we repose entire confidence in the ^ergy, abilities and in- 
tegrity of our Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander, James Foul- 
houze, rebuking with just indignation, the attempt on the part of the Grand 
Orient, to the exercise of authority over him personally, or in his official 
capacity, as well as for conveying base and unfounded insinuations regard- 
ing a violation of obligations to the Grand Orient. 

And further. This Supreme Council, before all whom it may concern, 
does hereby make record of its denunciation of Lucien Murat, the Grand 
Master of the Grand Orient in Paris, and of all individuals who have taken 
part in the above written Balustre and decrees, for their infamous attempt 
to deprive us of" our Masonic rights and liberties. And we furthermore 
reiterate our entire independence of all Masonic jurisdictions foreign to the 
State of Louisiana, and in support thereof pledge our hves, and our sacred 
honors. 



334 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

New Orleans, October 9th, 1858. 
To Bro. Louis Dufau, 33d, 

Grand Secretary of the Supreme Council : 
Dear Brother: — I have received the communication dated 6th inst., 
with which you have favored me, cahing my attention to the deliberations 
had on the 3d of this month, in the Supreme Council of the 33d degree, 
with regard to the strange pretension by which the Grand Orient seems 
to assume that it has the power to rule Scotch Masonry in America, and 
control its opinions and acts. 

I approve of the spirit and tone of the resolutions adopted on this oc- 
casion by our Supreme Council. The conduct of the Grand Commander 
deserves the highest eulogies, and I heartily concur in the solemn testi- 
mony by which our Supreme Council acknowledges his zeal, talent and 
noble independence. 

Your devoted Brother, 

Pierre Soule, 33d. 

Extracts from the Minutes of the Supreme Council of the State of 
Louisiana, sitting of October 1 3th, 1858. 

Members present — T. M. 111. Bros. James Foulhouze, Thomas Wharton 
Collens, Louis Dufau, Joseph Lisbony, James Gardette, J. J. E. Massicott, 
L. E, Deluzain,_S. G. Fabio, J. Collon, Charles Bienvenu. 

During the sitting, one of the 111. Bros, present, informed the Supreme 
Council that he had been put in possession of a printed sheet, from which 
it appears that a body, calling itself the " Supreme Council pf Charles- 
ton,^'' has issued against our M. P. S. G. C. James Foulhouze, a bull of 
excommunication from all Masonic privileges, and that a pamphlet con- 
taining it, together with the Balustre of the Grand Orient, is now being 
circulated under the signature, and through the active efforts of seven 
men, styling themselves Deputies of said Council in Charleston. 

On motion of the 111. Bro. J. J. E. Massicott, duly seconded, and unani- 
mously adopted, the Supreme Council appointed T. M. 111. Bros. Pierre 
Soule, Thomas Wharton Collens and Charles Bienvenu, as a Committee 
for examining the document, with full powers to act in the premises as 
they may deem most conducive to the interests of the Order. 

At a subsequent meeting held on the 16th of October, the Committee 
rendered the following report: — 

The Committee appointed by you to inquire into a certain publication 
lately made on matters concerning our Supreme Council, and signed by 



DOCUMENTS. 335 

the following named pereons, viz. : J. Q. A. Fellows, Ch. Claiborne, Ch. 
Laffon de Ladebat, John L. Lewis, Achilla Regulus Morel, Harmon 
Doane and Thomas F. Bragg, and containing — 1st. A declaration ov re- 
solution emanating from the said persons as "Dppnties of the Supreme 
Council at Charleston, for the State of Louisiana" ; 2d. A decree pur- 
porting to be issued by one "A. G. Mackey," who entitles himself Secre- 
tary General of the Holy Empire, expelling our 111. Bro. and Grand Com- 
mander, James Foulhouze, from all the privileges of Masonry in the 
Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite, recording his name in " Red Letters '' ; 
3d. A Letter from one M. Rexes, giving himself as Grand Staff Officer 
of Prince Lucien Murat — who on his side, entitles himself Grand Mas- 
ter of the Masonic Order in France, and as such assumes to determine to 
whom Scotch Free Masons owe allegiance, — beg leave to present the fol- 
lowing Preamble and Resolutions : 
Considering — 

1st. That the Balustre addressed to our Most Respectable Grand Com- 
mander, James Foulhouze, by E. Rexes, Staff Officer of Lucien Murat, 
who has sanctioned the same, constitutes not only an insult to our Supreme 
Council, but also an usurpation of prerogative which we deem proper to 
notice. 

2d. That no citizen of the Sovereign State of Louisiana, can, as a Mason, 
accept such a Balustre without at once abjuring his Masonic dignity and 
civic rights. 

3d. That the decree by which the said Rexes, with the approbation and 
authority of the said Murat, has for its object, to expel our Most Respect- 
able Grand Commander, James Foulhouze, from the Masonic Rite, of 
which our Supreme Council has constituted and proclaimed him as the 
only chief in Louisiana, is an insolent encroachment on the rights and 
supremacy of our Supreme Council, and upon our liberties as citizens. 

4th. That notwithstanding the absurdity of the decree, men calling 
themselves Masons have so far forgotten the respect they owe to them- 
selves and to their sacred obligations as Masons, as to receive the badge 
of servility, and lend themselves to the infamous service of men who 
have shown themselves destitute of every manly and Masonic principle, 
and do not feel ashamed to give publicity to their approval and support 
of the infamous doctrines therein expressed, and concur with their author 
by adding to said decree, the presumptous and ridiculous bull directed 
against the brother whom we have selected as our Grand Commander. 

5th. That the proceedings which occasioned that decree have been 
provoked and conducted by one Claude Samory, known as a traitor and 



336 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

disturber in Masonry, and as being in New Orleans the agent of a Supreme 
Council at Charleston ; and that said proceedings have been supported and 
encouraged near the Grand Orient of France by a foreign Mason, Joseph 
Beugnot. 

6th. That the decree of Lucien Murat, the letter of E. Rexes, the 
laughable /ttc^wm of A. G. Mackey, and the important declaration of their 
agents in Louisiana, are founded upon assertions which are groundless and 
false, to wit : That our Supreme Council does not exist, and that our Most 
Respectable Grand Commander has personally assumed powers to which 
he had no right. 

7th. That our Supreme Council has in, and by itself, an existence based 
on the independence and liberties of the State of Louisiana, and that the 
choice or expulsion of its ofBcers, exclusively depends on the freely ex- 
pressed will of the Scotch Masons belonging to our State, and the several 
bodies of which are represented in our Council, no person or body, foreign 
to this jurisdiction having a right to interfere with us in this matter. 

8th. That our Respectable Grand Commander, James Foulhouze, is not 
and never would consent to be a member of the pretended Supreme 
Council of Charleston, and of its Grand Consistory in New Orleans, and 
that therefore it is absurd to expel him from a body which he never en- 
tered, and that after all the said pretended Council of Charleston and 
Consistory have, so far as our rite is concerned, no Masonic authority what- 
ever. 

This Supreme Council declines assuming Papal and Princely preten- 
sions, which agree neither with its character, nor with the spirit of our 
institutions, and therefore abstains from issuing decrees against the above 
named delinquents, and following the example of its detractors, but it ex- 
pressly denounces 

1st. Charles Claiborne, John L. Lewis, Charles LafFon de Ladebat and 
Achille Regulus Morel, as Agents and Supporters in Louisiana of the said 
Lucien Murat, E, Rexes and A. G. Mackey, and consequently as enemies 
of the Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite in the State of Louisiana. 

2d. J. Q. A. Fellows, Harmon Doane and Thomas F. Bragg, as intrud- 
ers, who endeavor to interfere with the affairs of the Scotch Rite, to which 
they do not belong. 

3d. Claude Samory as the origin and malicious abettor, both in France 
and Louisiana, of all the troubles and disgrace to which the Scotch Rite 
has been subjected in our State. 

4th. Joseph Beugnot as an officer of the Grand Orient of France, and 
therefore subject and vassal thereof. 

Cii. BiENVENU, 33d, T. Wharton Collens, :i3d. 



DOCUMENTS. 337 

Immediately after the return of the M. Ill, Bro. Pierre Soule to New 
Orleans, T. M. 111. Bro. Charles Bienvenu communicated to hira the above 
Preambles and Resolutions, and the following letter was handed to our 
Grand Secretary. 

New Orleans, October 19th, 1858. 
Dear Brother : 

The principles enunciated in the Resolutions which Bro. Bienvenu has 
communicated to me, constitute the true basis on which our Supreme 
Council must rest, and they are the only title by which it can defend and 
maintain its supremacy — it would cease being Supreme if it should de- 
pend on any authority above it. 

As long as the secret is not found by which its members can be divested 
of the indelible character with which they have been impressed by the 
transmission of the Masonic degrees which they have received, our Coun- 
cil will maintain its existence, and its independence as a complete body, in 
spite of any bull of excommunication which may be issued, either against 
it, or against its chief. 

This being my sentiment, I feel a pleasure in expressing it, and renew 
the assurance of my entire devotedness to you. 

Pierre Soule, 33d. 



REMARKS BY THE AUTHOR. 

The above documents are issued as a reply to the documents which 
preceded them, and we consider them full and explicit, especially when the 
evidence which they give, is placed by their side — as follows : 

The " Deputies " have stated that the Supreme Council of Louisiana 
was dissolved, and had ceased its existence. But we find by this reply 
that the Supreme Council is in a more thriving condition than it has ever 
been at any time before, during the whole period of its being. 

It now has under its jurisdiction Twenty Symbolic Lodges, as follows : 

* Polar Star Lodge, No. 

* Perseverance " " 

* Nazareth " 
Foyer Maconnique " " 
H. C. Atwood 

* St. Andrew 

* Emanuel 

* Osiris " 



1 


* El Silencio 


Lodge, No. 9 


2 


Disciples of P y 


thagoras "10 


3 


Fraternity 


Lodge " 11 


4 


Lafayette 


" 12 


5 


* Thibodeaux 


" " 13 


6 


Bienville 


" " 14 


7 


* Pelican 


" 15 


8 


Prudence 


" 16 



338 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Ronquillo Lodge, No. 17 Verite Lodge, No. 20 

- Reveil Maconnique " " 18 * Foyer Macon nique " " 14 

* The star denotes those Lodges which have Chapters of Rose Croix 
and Councils of Kadosch engrafted on them. Besides these Chapters 
and Councils there are others, making the whole number Fourteen Chap- 
ters of Rose Croix, and Twelve Councils of Kadosch. 

The Supreme Council itself numbers Thirty active members. 

The Deputies declare him to be an Expelled Mason (James Foulhouze) 
and his Council Spurious, &c., &c. This opinion does not seem to be sus- 
tained. It is certain from the evidence that his own Council, or rather, 
the Supreme Council of which he is a member, has not expelled him, but 
on the contrary it sustains him. The other bodies, whether the Grand 
Orient of France, or the Charleston body, or the New Orleans Consistory, 
could not expel him, because he was not a member of either of them ; 
and as it regards the spuriousness of the Supreme Council, it is a very 
late hour in the day to bring such a charge. The Council was formed in 
1839, and to take nearly Twenty years to find this out is rather a long 
time. And further, 

The 'bodies which acknowledge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council 
do not seem to think any of these charges true. They have a very good 
opportunity of judging, being " right thert on the spotP They knew all 
about the *' resignations'^ — " the outside influences^'' the ^'^Preliminaries''' 
and the " Concordat^'' and when the Expulsion, <fec., came, they stood 
stfll — only to become more firm in their determination. Actions are 
louder than words in the demonstration of an opinion. Witness the 
number of Lodges and the number of the members, as well as the char- 
acter of the men. These are the "/ocis" developed — and that is all we 
have to do with — the merits of the case we cannot enter into here. 

But we must be permitted to say a word more, on our own responsi- 
bility— ^about the Expulsion by the " Charleston hodyP One would 
think, after the bitter experience which that set of men have had in times 
past from this kind of work, that it would long since have ceased. 

De La Motta was the first to introduce it — assuming to be the Grand 
Hierophant, not only of the whole United States, but all the world be- 
sides, he came to the City of New York, and expelled Joseph Cerneau, 
Dewitt Clinton, John W. Mulhgan, and a great many more, and having 
accomplished this feat, he returned to Charleston, and having invented 
the " red letter " system, commenced with all his powers to issue his red 
letter documents. And how much did all this work amount to ? Simply 
this — no one cared a whit for such trifles, the Sovereign Grand Consistory 



DOCUMENTS. 339 

went on as usual — Cerneau, Clinton, Mulligan, and others, who had been 
expelled by this travelling mountebank, were just as highly esteemed as 
before, and the prevailing opinion among men and Ma'^ons appeared to be 
that De La Motta was out of his mind. The body at Charleston never 
recovered from the shock which De La Motta gave it. It went down. 
Since that they have tried it several times, but with the same results. 
The fraternity as a body, has not yet lost its senses, and are more deter- 
mined now than they ever were before, to treat all such arrogant and 
arbitrary proceedings with the contempt they deserve. 

The day has long since passed away when such proceedings can be 
tolerated. Who is there living, among the Fraternity, that in this day 
can be brought to believe that an obscure, isolated, and (Masonically) 
illegitimate body like the Council at Charleston can issue an Edict, 
whether in red or in black letters, which will have any effect whatever, 
upon either a body, or an individual in an adjoining State ? 



UOCJTJMESI^T rCo. 31, 



Universi Terr arum Orhis Archikdonis Per Gloriam Ingentis, 

230U)5 f^eumquc Jus. 
Ordo ah Chao. 

From the East of the Supreme Council of the Most Puissant Sovereign 
Grand Inspectors General of the 33d degree, under the Zenith, near the 
B. B., answering to the 40th deg. 42 min. 40 sec. N. L. and 2 deg. 51 
min. 0,sec. E. L. meridian of Washington City. 

To our Illustrious, Most Valiant, and Sublime Princes of the Royal Se- 
cret, Knights of K. H., Illustrious Princes and Knights, Grand, Ineffable, 
and Sublime, Free and Accepted Masons of all degrees, Ancient and Mod- 
ern, over the surface of the two hemispheres — 

To ALL TO WHOM THESE LETTERS MAY COME GREETING I 

Know ye, that we the undersigned, Most Puissant Sovereigns, Grand 
Inspectors General, lawfully and constitutionally established at our Grand 



340 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

East, the City of New York, in Supreme Grand Council of the Thirty- 
third degree, for the Northern Masonic district and Jurisdiction of the 
United States of North America, and duly congregated this 29th day of 
Yiar, A. H'm, 5608, A. Lib'rs, 2384, which corresponds to the 1st day of 
June, 1848, of the Christian Era, and A. O'is. 730 and A. M.'ra 534, at 
our Grand Council Chamber, a Sacred Asylum, where reign Union, Con- 
tentment, Wisdom. 

Decree and Order.— That the following official declaration be pub- 
lished, for the information and government of all true and enlightened 
brethren, wherever dispersed. 

That this Supreme Grand Council deems it proper and advisable to de- 
fine its position and platform on which it now stands, and has stood ever 
since its foundations were first laid, proclaimed and recognized in the 
years 5767, 5797, 5806, 5808 and 5813— (see note at the end). 

That it constitutionally claims jurisdiction (Masonic) over all the Nor- 
thern, North Western and North Eastern parts of the United States of 
America, their territories and dependencies, as the Supreme Tribunal for 
the " Grand^ Ineffable and Sublime degrees,''^ Ancient and Accepted Rite, 
of the Thirty-third and last degree : But that in deference to the Consti- 
tution of the " York rite,'" practiced in this country, it waives its rights 
and privileges so far as they relate to the ^^ first three degrees'''' of " An- 
cient Craft Masonry,''' which, long before the establishment of a Supreme 
Grand Council in this hemisphere, were under the control of Symbolic 
Grand Lodges. But this Supreme Grand Council does explicitly claim 
the exclusive right, natural, lawful and constitutional, to confer, establish 
and govern the following degrees — which now are, and always have been, 
under the Government of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, or bodies 
deriving authority from a legal Supreme Grand Council of the Thirty- 
third and last degree — to wit : 

4th. Secret Master. 

5th. Perfect Master. 

6th. Intimate Secretary. 

7th. Provost and Judge. 

8th. Intendant of the Buildings. 

9th. Elected of Nine. 
10th. Elected of Fifteen. 
11th. Sublime Knight Elected. 
12th. Grand Master Architect. 
13th. Royal Arch of Solomon. 
14th. Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason. 



DOCUMENTS, 341 

loth. Knight of the East, or Sword. 

16th. Prince of Jerusalem. 
' iTth. Knight of the East and West. 

18th. Sovereign Prince Rose Croix of Heredom. 

19th. Grand Pontiff. 

20th. Grand Master of all Symbolic Lodges. 

21st Patriarch Noachite. 

22d. Prince of Libanus. 

23d. Chief the Tabernacle. 

24th. Prince of the Tabernacle. 

25th. Knight of the Brazen Serpent. 

26th. Prince of Mercy. 

2'7th. Commander of the Temple. 

28th. Knight of the Sun. 

29th. Patriarch of the Crusades. 

30th. Grand Elect Knight Kadosch. 

31st. Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander. 

32 d. SubUme Prince of the Royal Secret. 
o3d and last degree (oflBcial) Sovereign Grand Inspector General. 
That this Supreme Grand Council, and the various bodies under its 
charters, admit no one into its aforesaid degrees, and require no other 
qualification in candidates, except that they be "good men and true," and 
have been regularly initiated into " Ancient Craft Masonry^'' by some 
regular legal " Ancient York Master Masons' Lodge^^ and are at the 
same time, either officers, or active members of such a Lodge. 

Moreover, as conservators, pledged to preserve the Ancient and Accepted 
Rite of the Thirty- third and last degree, pure and inviolate — and from 
all unlawful and spurious intermixture or associations, this Supreme Grand 
Council feels itself constrained most unequivocally to renew its former 
declaration, and solemnly denounce as unlawful and unconstitutional, and 
protest against the acts and pretensions of all other bodies under what- 
ever name or title they may exist, claiming to exercise control or authority 
over the Ancient and Accepted Rite of the Thirty-third and last degree ; 
cautioning all brethren wherever dispered over the two hemispheres, that 
the accumulation of rites, whether under the designation of Councils, 
Colleges, or any other denomination whatever, is an anomaly in Free Ma- 
sonry, fraught with confusion, mischief, and danger to the Masonic family, 
and which never can receive the sanction of the Supreme Grand Council, 
nor the approvement of any intelligent body of Masons, sincerely devoted 



342 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

to the purity, happiness and prosperity of our well beloved Ancient Free 
and Accepted Masonry. 

J. J. J. GouRGAS, M. P. Sov. Grand Commander, 33d, ad vitam. 

Giles Fonda Yates, M. 111. Insp. Lieut. Grand Commander, 33d. • 

Edward A. Raymond, 111. Treasurer General of the H. E. 

KiLLiAN H. Van Rensselaer, 111. Master of Ceremonies. 

John Christie, 111. Captain of the Life Guards. 

Charles W. Moore, 111. Secretary General of the H. E. 

Archibald Bull, Sov. Grand Inspector General, 33d. 



BEMARKS BY THE AUTHOR. 

Here we have the " maiden''^ edict of this newly formed concern, 
which, like its parent the Charleston body, commences with high sounding 
words and bold pretensions. We shall briefly point out some of the 
points in this document, leaving the rest to the opinion of the reader — 
who is hereby informed, that the years denoted as those in which the 
foundations were laid, proclaimed and recognized are 1767, 1797, 1806, 
1808 and 1813. We will just glance at these years. 

In the two first, viz. : 1767 and 1797, no such body as a Supreme Grand 
Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General 33d and last degree was 
in existence. It was manufactured in 1801, in the City of Charleston, 
South Carolina. Before 1801 the name, or the body, was never heard of. 

In the year 1806, there was no Supfeme Council, or even Consistory, 
3 2d degree in New York city. This has been fully set forth in the his- 
tory and the falsehood exposed. 

We are aware that De La Motta made this declaration, and placed 
several names among its members — Gourgas, Tardy and others, — but we 
have shown that Gourgas was only initiated as an Entered Apprentice, 
June 19th, 1806, and Master Mason in 1807. It is therefore very cer- 
tain that he was not a member of the Consistory in 1806. And Tardy 
did not get his degrees until 1807 — in Philadelphia — so he was not a 
member in 1806. The same may be said of the rest. 

In 1808 they made the attempt to form a Consistory; but it was a 
signal failure, as has been fully proved in the history. By March — or at 
farthest, by the latter part of the year 1809— the whole concern was ex- 
tinct, and most of the parties concerned, had united with the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory under Joseph Cerneau. 

In 1813, the notorious De La Motta made his appearance — established 



DOCUMENTS. 343 

what he called a Supreme Council — expelled Cerneau, Clinton, Mulligan, 
and twenty or thirty more — issued his Edict, and went home. This body 
soon became defunct, and was not heard of again until this document 
made its appearance in 1848. 

The other parts of this document can be judged by the foregoing. 
Further reference to this Edict is made at Doc. 40, to which the attention 
of the reader is invited. 



IDOOXJ3VEES1MT ISTo. 33. 



Ordo ab Chao. 

Supnte Council of iraiiir Inspectors §tmu\ 

OF THE 

THIRTY-THIRD DEOREE, 

FOR THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE, 

SITTING IN THE VALLEY OF NEW YORK. 

The Most Illustrious Brothers. 
Jeremy L. Cross, P. M., Past Grand Lecturer of the General Grand 
Chapter of the United States of America, K. H., S. 
P. R. S. Sov. Gr. Insp. Gen. 33d degree— Resi- 
dence, JVew York City, 

M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander. 
Wm. H. Ellis, P. M., M. W. Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge 
of the State of Conn., General Grand Generalissimo 
of the General Grand Encampment of the United 
States, K. H. S. P. R. S., Sov. Gr. Insp. Gen., 33d 
degree — Residence, New Haven^ Conn. 

Most III. Minister of State. 
Rev. Salem Town, M. W. P. and Present Grand Chaplain of the 
Grand Lodge of the State of New York, K. H., 
S. P. R. S., Sov. Gr. Insp. Gen., 33d degree- 
Residence, Aurora,., N. Y. 

M. III. Grand Keeper of the Seals. 



344 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

The Most Illustrious Brothers. 
Henry C. Atwood, P. M., M. W. Past Grand Master of the Grand 
Lodge of the State of New York, P. H. P. K. H. 
S. P. R. S., Sov. Gr. Insp. Gen., 33d degree — Resi- 
dence, New York City. 

M, III. Grand Master of Ceremonies. 
Wm. H. Jones, P. M. W., Past Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge 
of the State of Conn., K. H. S. P. R. S. Sov. Gr. 
Insp. Gen., 33d degree — Residence, New Haven., 
Conn. 

M. 111. Grand Standard Bearer. 
John S. Darcy, M. D., M. W. Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge 
of the State of New Jersey, K. H. S. P. R. S. 
Sov. Gr. Insp. Gen., 33d degree — Residence, New- 
ark, N. J. 

M. III. Captain of the Guards. 
Robert B. Folger, M. D., P. M. K. H. S. P. R. S. Sov. Gr. Insp. 
Gen., 33d degree — Residence, New York City — 
M. III. Grand Treasurer. 
John W. Simons, P. M. M. W. Past Senior Grand Warden of the 
Grand Lodge of the State of New York, K. H. 
S. P. R. S. Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen., 33d degree— Re- 
sidence, New York City — M. III. Grand Secretary. 



The Commission under which this Supreme Grand Council claims 
power to act, bears date June 24th, 1824. 

It authorizes Jeremy L. Cross '-'•for Life''"' — to Establish, Congre- 
gate, Superintend, and Instruct — Lodges., Chapters., Colleges., Consis- 
tories and Councils., over the surface of the two hemispheres. His 
authority is signed by such distinguished names as — 
Moses Ho lb rook, M. D., 
Frederick Dalcho, 
James Moultrie, M. D., and others, 
in full council of the Sov. Grand Inspectors General of the 33d degree. 

It may be seen and examined at this Grand East, at any time when the 
Council is in session, by all who feel interested in the matter. 



DOCUMENTS. 345 



E D I C T. 

Universi Terrarum Orhis Architectonis per Gloriam Ingentis. 

IBeus Jl^cumque 3\XB, 

Ordo ab Chao, 

From the East of the Supreme Grand Council of the Most Puissant 
Sovereigns, Grand Inspectors General of the 33d degree, under the Z. of 
the B. B., answering to the 40th deg. 42 rain. 40 sec. N. L. and 2 deg. 
51 min. sec. E. L., meridian of Washington City. 

To all Free and Accepted Masons of all degrees. Ancient and Modern, 
over the surface of the two hemispheres. 

To ALL TO WHOM THESE LETTERS MAY COME GREETING *. 

This Supreme Grand Council of the Thirty-third and last degree, So- 
vereign Grand Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, &c., 
(fee, duly established in accordance with a Commission regularly issued 
from a Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, claim.s jurisdiction over the 
Northern Hemisphere of the United States of America, and from the 
Grand East in the valley of New York, Ordains the following 

REG ULATIONS. 

First. — No Council, Chapter, Lodge of Perfection, or other body hail- 
ing from this Grand East, and working within the jurisdiction of any 
regular Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, or Grand Encampment, shall con- 
fer the Initiatory Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master 
Mason, on any person or under any pretence whatever. 

Second. — No Candidate shall be proposed or received, who shall not 
have previously received the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, 
Master Mason, Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and 
Royal Arch Mason, in a regular Lodge, working under the authority of a 
regular Grand Lodge, and in a regular Chapter, working under a regular 
Grand Chapter, and acknowledging the General Grand Chapter of the 
United States : nor shall such Candidate be advanced farther than the 
degree of Perfection. 

Third. — No Candidate having received the degree of Perfection shall 



346 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

be invested with any further dignities, until the conferring body shall 
have become convinced that said Candidate has been regularly received 
and created a Knight Templar, with the appendant Orders, in a lawfully 
constituted Encampment of Sir Knights, working under the Grand En- 
campment of the State where such Encampment may be located, and 
acknowledging the supremacy of the General Grand Encampment of the 
United States. 

Fourth. — This Grand East will receive applications from, and grant 
Charters to, a regular number of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, in 
each of the several States under its jurisdiction. 

Fifth. — At the usual meetings of this Supreme Grand Council of the 
33d and last degree, none will be allowed the privilege of a vote except 
the actual members thereof, or their substitutes, lawfully appointed, but at 
the Annual meeting in June the Sovereign Grand Consistory will be 
opened, and be composed of the usual Dignitaries, and the first three 
officers of the various State Councils. 

Sixth. — The mode of Representation in the State Councils will be 
governed by the usages of the Scottish Rite, and such Regulations as they 
may severally adopt. 

Seventh. — The particular Rules of the Order will be those which are 
set forth in the Ancient usages and Secret Constitutions of the Order. 

Eighth. — In all cases, however, where any person hailing from this 
Grand East, shall reside within the Jurisdiction of, or present himself to, 
any legal Masonic body in any State, Territory, Kingdom, Empire, or 
Confederacy, where the different Masonic bodies acknowledge the author- 
ity of any Grand Orient, or Grand East, they shall bow obei-j-mce to such 
authority, and conform themselves in all things to the ruleri and regula- 
tions of the same. 

Ninth. — Should any vacancy occur in this Supreme Gxand Council, 
whether from death, or other cause, the said vacancy shall be filled by the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory, as far as membership to the Supreme Grand 
Council is concerned ; after which the remaining members of the Siipreme 
Grand Council shall fill the vacancy by vote. And should the aaid va- 
cancy occur, and the Council be left without a Grand Comra^tfider, the 
Officer next in rank shall fill his place, and be invested with ali his power, 
until the vacancy shall be filled by the Sovereign Grand Consistory and 
a regular election of the Council take place. 

T. III. John W. Simons, Grand Secretary. 

[Here follow the Seals.] 



DOCUMENTS. 347 

APPEAL. 
IjUX ex Tenehris. 

From the East of this Supreme Grand Council of the Most Puissant 
Sovereigns, Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree, under 
the Zenith, near the B. B. answering to the 40th deg. 42 min. 40 sec. N. 
L. and 2 deg. 5 1 sec. E. L. meridian of Washington City. 

At our Grand Council Chamber, a Sacred Asylum, where reign 

UNION, CONTENTMENT, WISDOM. 

To all Grand Lodges, Grand Chapters, and Grand Encampments. 
To all Free and Accepted Masons of all degrees, Ancient and Modern, 
over the surface of the two hemispheres, wherever dispersed. 

To ALL TO "WHOM THESE LETTERS MAV COME GREETING '. 

We regret to announce the fact that our Temple has been desecrated 
by RuflSan hands, and the beauty of the work over which we have so 
often rejoiced together, shamefully defaced. Ever since the establishment 
of our Council in the Northern hemisphere, the institutions and organiza- 
tions of the Craft, throughout its whole boundary, have been respected, 
order has been scrupulously observed, and up to the present time our 
Council Chamber has indeed proved a Sacred asylum, where Union, Con- 
tentment and Wisdom have ever dwelt. We have stood together during 
the dark days of our time honored institution ; in common with our 
brethren, wherever dispersed, we have faced the dangers that surrounded 
us, and at this late day were rejoicing in the hope that all trials were 
over and difficulties past ; that although the conflict had been severe, yet 
the palm of victory was fairly won, and we could now enjoy a season of 
repose. But this was not to last. 

Within a short period of time, we have heard of a body of men, styling 
themselves Masons, claiming jurisdiction over the whole Northern hem- 
isphere, who are not only removing the " Ancient Landmarks,^'' but are 
doing many things contrary to Masonic order, and which are calculated to 
bring our institution into contempt. Arrogating to themselves a power 
which they do not, and cannot possess, they have set aside the authorities 
of the Grand Chapters, and Grand Encampments of the several States, 
denouncing them as unlawful and unconstitutional. They protest against 



348 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

the acts and pretensions of all other bodies, under whatever name or title 
they may. exist, and declare, that whether the bodies designated, be Coun- 
cils, Colleges, or any other denomination whatever, is an ^'"anomaly"'' in 
Free Masonry, fraught with confusion, mischief, and danger to the whole 
Masonic family, and which never can receive the sanction of their self- 
styled " Supreme Grand Council of the 33c? and last degree^'' nor the 
approval of any intelligent body of Masons, sincerely devoted to the 
purity, happiness, and prosperity of our well beloved Free and Accepted 
Masonry (see printed Edict, issued by J. J. J. Gourgas and others, under 
date of June 1st, 1848, &c.) 

Acting upon this basis, they receive Masons into their bodies after pass- 
ing the Third or Masters' degree, and proceed with them through the 
various degrees, leading them to suppose that they are receiving those 
mysteries, which, of right, belong to Royal Arch Chapters, and Encamp- 
ments of Knights Templar, with the appendant orders ; that their degrees 
are correct ; and that some, particularly the Encampment degrees, have 
been stolen from their system. This they openly proclaim. They have 
also chartered two Encampments in the State of Rhode Island, while 
there is a regular Encampment in existence there ; and applications are 
frequently made at the doors of Chapters by men who have received their 
degrees from them, in the belief that they were regular Royal Arch 
Masons. 

It is but a short time since that a Circular letter, written by the M. W. 
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, and directed to the 
several Grand Masters in the several States, was received by the Grand 
Lodge of New York, giving the like information that a body of like pre- 
tension with the former one, chartered Three Symbolic, or Masters' 
Lodges in that State, while it was well known at the time of their so do- 
ing, that a regular Grand Lodge existed in that State. 

Connected with the above, it would be well to mention the case of a 
Masters' Lodge chartered in Richmond, Va., by the Grand Orient of 
France, a Masters' Lodge in this city from the same authority, and one 
other in this city by the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, under the same cir- 
cumstances. 

We believe all the above transactions to be disorderly, and of injurious 
tendency to the Craft. They are of such a nature that, if persisted in, 
will sap the very foundations of the organization under which we live. 
Differing from other lands, our Lodges and Chapters are constituted under 
the ''Ancient York rite,'' and hail from Grand Lodges, and Grand Chap- 
ters, empowering them to work. Our Encampments are made subser 



DOCUMENTS. 349 

vient to this Rite, and connected with it by an indissoluble tie. Together, 
they form a system peculiarly our own, and must be sustained. Over the 
degrees of Symbolic, or Masters' Lodges, and Chapters of the Ancient 
York rite, and over the degrees of Knighthood as conferred in the regular 
Encampments, the Supreme Grand Council has no control whatever, nor 
will it dare to undertake to interfere with their organization in any way. 
On the contrary the Supreme Council is prepared in any and every 
emergency, to sustain them at all hazards, and to make those degrees 
over which they do most decidedly claim control, subservient, or second- 
ary to the same. And we would call upon the Craft, wherever they may 
be found, to sustain us in our proceedings, with a view of shielding and 
defending our Lodges, Chapters, Councils, and Encampments, from all 
such dastardly innovations. 

Our Council was the first that existed in the Northern hemisphere. It 
was formed with proper authority in 1813. (Here Mr. Cross was mis- 
taken. The Council was formed in 1807, and was acknowledged by the 
Supreme Council of France in 1812,) and was in a flourishing condition 
up to the year 1828, at which time the great Anti-Masonic excitement 
passed over the Northern section, shaking the institution to its very foun- 
dation. As the death of the Hon. Dewitt Clinton, who was Grand Com- 
mander, occurred about this time, it was deemed advisable to discontinue 
our labors. Many of its ancient members and dignitaries have passed 
away, among the number of which may be mentioned the Marquis de 
Lafayette, Cadwallader D. Colden, Martin Hoffman, Thomas Lownds 
and Francis Dubuar, but iheir places have, from time to time, been 
filled ; and during the whole of its existence, no fault has been found 
with its acts or its decisions. 

In consequence of the divisions and internal strifes among the different 
bodies of Masons in this State, it did not thrive ; in fact, but very little 
has been done for the last ten years past. After mature deliberation, the 
members of the Council believe that the time has now come, to re-organ- 
ize and resume our labors in an earnest and energetic manner. The 
divisions in the Fraternity of the State of New York have been partially 
Lealed, and the prospect for a complete and final adjustment of all our 
difficulties, grows brighter every day. The Supreme Grand Council 
desires to hasten oh this glorious Union, and produce and maintain har- 
mony and good feeling among all true members of the Craft, wherever 
dispersed. And they would not only exert all their energies to promote 
Union, and cement the ties more strongly which bind us together, but 
they would also watch diligently against all future disunion, all innova- 



350 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

tions of our Ancient rites and usages, and all interference by foreign 
bodies, as well as by " self-styled Councils,^'' springing up in our midst 
We mean to stand by, support, and cherish the American organization, to 
uphold all regular Grand Lodges, Grand Chapters, and Grand Encamp- 
ments, with their subordinates, claiming no authority whatever over those 
degrees, and denouncing all Masons who would interfere with them in 
any way. 

The authority under which we labor cannot be set aside, or placed in a 
doubtful position. Mr. Jeremy L. Cross, Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General of the Thirty-third degree, and Grand Commander of the North- 
ern Jurisdiction, visited the city of New York in 1815, where he received 
the Ineffable degrees, and was regularly constituted and appointed by the 
Council, a Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-third and last 
degree, received as a member of said Council, and invested with full 
power to confer the said degrees. He received a Patent from the 
Supreme Council at Charleston with '■''full powers,^'' bearing date June 
24th, 1824. 

The present emergency in the affairs of Masonry has induced Mr. 
Cross to assume the power, which he has allowed to remain dormant, by 
taking the command of the Northern Jurisdiction, &c. 

The degrees over which this Supreme Grand Council claims the exclu- 
sive, natural, lawful, and Constitutional Jurisdiction, and the right to 
confer, establish and govern, are the following : 

Fourth — ^Secret Master, 

Fifth — Perfect Master, 

Sixth — Intimate Secretary, 

Seventh — Provost and Judge, 

Eighth — Intendent of the Building, 

Ninth— Elect of Nine, 

Tenth— Elect of Fifteen, 

Eleventh — Sublime Knight Elect, 

Twelfth — Grand Master Architect, 

Thirteenth — King Solomon's Koyal Arch, 

Fourteenth — Grand Elect, Perfect and SuWime Mason, 

Fifteenth — Knight of the East or Sword, 

Sixteenth — Prince of Jerusalem, 

Seventeenth — Knight of the East and West, 

Eighteenth — Knight of the Rose Croix de H,, 

Nineteenth — Grand Pontiff, 

Twentieth — Grand Master of all Lodges, 



DOCUMENTS. 351 

Twenty-first — Patriarch Noachite, 

Twenty-second — Prince of Libanus, 

Twenty-third — Chief of the Tabernacle, 

Twenty -fourth — Prince of the Tabernacle, 

Twenty-fifth — Knight of the Brazen Serpent, 

Twenty -sixth — Prince of Mercy, 

Twenty-seventh — Commander of the Temple. 

Twenty -eighth — Knight of the Sun, 

Twenty-ninth — Patriarch of the Crusades, 

Thirtieth— Grand Elect K. H., 

Thirty-first — Grand Inquisitor Commander, 

Thirty-second — Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, 

Thirty-third — Sovereign Grand Inspector General. (Official.) 

The qualification requisite will be found in the accompanying Edict and 
Regulations, Articles 2d and 3d. 

This Grand Council is aware, that in other countries, a dififerent usage 
exists, but we are here under a peculiar organization, which we deem it 
to be our sa<3red and solemn duty to protect, believing those bodies to be 
of far more importance than our own, inasmuch as the Inefiable de-. 
grees of Masonry differ from them entirely, and in almost every particu- 
lar, and may be regarded in the light of honorary, or side degrees, or 
parts of degrees not touched upon in the regular bodies. We call upon 
the whole fraternity throughout the land to follow in the same path, pay- 
ing due obedience to the powers under which they hail, and frowning 
down every effort made by designing men, to destroy the peace and unity 
of the Institution, as framed and organized in our own happy land. 
Jeremf L. Cross, S. G. I. G. 33d, Grand Commander, 
Wm. H. Ellis, Minister of State, 

Salem Town, Keeper of the Seals, 

H. C. Atwood, Master of Ceremonies, 

W. H. Jones, Grand Standard Bearer, 

.John S. Darcy, Captain of the Guard, 

RoBT. B. FoLGER, Grand Treasurer, 

John W. Simons, Grand Secretary. 



352 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



BE MARK So 

The document here presented, it must be acknowledged, is a most sin- 
gular one, and could only have emanated from the person who dictated 
it, viz.. Brother Jeremy L. Cross. We have mentioned in our history 
the peculiar views which Brother Cross entertained concerning the Sub- 
lime degrees, and his extreme veneration for, and devotion to, the 
Ancient York Rite. Any interference of even the slightest kind, with 
this rite, he deemed irregular, nor would he have consented to become 
the chief officer of the Council unless the pledge was given him, that in 
the management of the Council these views should be strictly carried out. 
How far this pledge was kept, the above document will show. Some of 
the parties who attached their names to it, did not agree with Brother 
Cross in many of the points therein set forth, but were, nevertheless, wil- 
ling to submit, if it would have a tendency to break up the irregularities 
so much complained of at that time. During his term of office, which 
was short, but very little was done, except to defend the Council from 
attacks made upon it by its opponents. He resigned in consequence of ill 
health, removed to New Hampshire, and died. He was a pure-minded 
man while he lived, just in all his ways, and has left behind him many 
brethren, who will long cherish his memory for his acts of kindness, what- 
ever may have been his faults. 

The issue of this document was in June 1851, and the complaints 
made at that time (and they were numerous) were, in many cases well 
grounded. Much of the fault was attributed to the operation of the, so- 
called, Gourgas Council, and other bodies of like kind. The troubles of 
Louisiana had just culminated in a split between the Grand Lodge and 
the Supreme Council, the latter body then assuming authority over the 
Blue degrees ; there was a division at that time, also, in the Grand 
Lodge of the State of New York ; the Hamburg Lodge had just char- 
tered another Lodge in the city ; and it was currently reported, but with 
what truth we are unable to say, that Mr. Gourgas had individually tres- 
passed upon the Ancient York Rite, by conferring some of the degrees 
upon his own responsibility. 

A great deal of bitter feeling prevailed at this time among the frater- 
nity, which may account for some of the doctrines which appear in the 
document. And as Mr, Cross was greatly ignorant of the system, as 
well as the ritual, of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, he never having 
even referred to those matters after receiving the degrees, on account of 
his great aversion to the whole affair, it is not strange that the document 



DOCUMENTS. 353 

should contain so many things, which, when examined, would lead a 
high Mason to believe that Mr. Cross knew nothing about the system or 
the degrees. That he was fully acquainted with the material parts of all 
the degrees, is abundantly and fully proven, by his documents, by his 
triple set of rituals of all the degrees up to, and including the " Thirty- 
third and last degree,^'' and by word, and the fact of his conferring the 
same. So that upon this part of the subject there can be not a shade of 
doubt. He himself was always able to prove that part of it ; and as 
it coacerns his " word^'' we can only say that Brother Cross was a 
mtin who despised a " Lie." We are fully of the opinion, based upon 
Twenty years acquaintance with the man, that he would not be guilty of 
a wilful lie, even to save his life. He was, in all things, a man of stern 
and unflinching integrity, which made him respected wherever he was 
known. 

Of his pecuhar views concerning the merits of the Sublime degrees, 
we have but little to say. He entertained precisely the same views as 
those expressed by Brother John Dove, of Virginia. In an address de- 
livered before the Supreme Council, in Louisiana, page 37, Brother 
Claudius Sears says : 

" Much misapprehension prevails regarding a species of Masonry, originally 
introduced into the United States, at Charleston, in South Carolina, from its 
having been called the " Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.^' They pretended 
to trace its origin to Frederick II. King of Prussia. At an early period it 
fell into the hands of two Israelites, Moses M. Hays and Joseph Myers. Hays 
took it to Newport, in Rhode Island, and endeavored to propagate it among 
his brethren there, and Joseph Myers took it to Richmond, in Virginia. 

" Brother John Dove says he received all the degrees at the hands of Joseph 
Myers, and that he found no difficulty in recognizing the four or five first de- 
grees, as the pure and genuine Ancient York Ritual — the other Twenty-seven 
or Eight being ornamental or Side degrees — as Brother Myers always charac- 
terized them, not deeming them Masonry in any sense. 

" Now, the Scotch Masons of Louisiana will fully confirm Brother Myers' 
statement, that these degrees are not Masonry in any sense. If the Ancient 
and Accepted Scottish Rite was ever known in Charleston, it was lost, when 
entrusted to the sole care of Moses M. Hays and Joseph Myers. We wish it 
distinctly understood, that the Scotch rite in Louisiana never had its origin, 
and never came through the hands of any man, holding or deriving from the 
Sublime Graud Lodge of Charleston, or from any one, however remotely con- 
nected therewith." 



354 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



IDOGTJlSaJESr^'r KTO. 33. 



Universi Terr arum Orbis Architectonis Per Gloriam Ingentis. 

Beus aWeumque Jus, 
Ordo ab Chao. 



From the East of the Supreme Grand Council of the Most Puissant 
Sovereigns, Grand Inspectors General of the 33d and last degree, " An- 
cient and Accepted Rite,''^ duly and legally established, constituted and 
organized, for the Northern Masonic district and Jurisdiction of the 
United States of America, held on the 30th day of the 3d Lunar month 
called Sivan, An'o Heb'm 5611— Res. 238V— A. Ord. '733— A. M'm. 
537, and of the Christian Era the 30th day of June, 1851, at their Grand 
East, New York City. 

It was unanimously resolved, decreed and ordered, that the following 
Official Manifesto be published, and sent forth to all the various Ma- 
sonic Grand bodies over the two hemispheres : 

Whereas, a certain printed paper, in the assumed garb of a Masonic 
document, purporting to emanate from a pretended " Sublime Consistory 
of Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret, and Supreme Grand Council 
of the Thirty-three degrees, of, and for the State of New York," has since 
the last stated session of this Supreme Grand Council, been artfully pre- 
pared and disseminated among the Masonic fraternity, under date of Vth 
February, 1851, with two counterfeited stamps, and the following names 
appended thereto, to wit : H. C. Atwood, John W. Timpson, John W. 
Simons, Edmund B. Hays, Daniel Sickles, George E. Marshall, Thomas 
Hyatt, A. Colo Veloni and David Cochrane : all of which was also re- 
published in the American Keystone of the 23d of April last. 

The covert attacks made in said paper on our Supreme Grand Council, 
and our venerable and venerated Chief, the slanderous insinuations, and 
illogical deductions for which that paper is remarkable, render it too 
contemptible for serious comment. Its false assumptions and misrepre- 
sentations of well known and well established facts, if they are not wilful 



DOCUMENTS, 355 

perversions of the truth, evince gross ignorance of the true principles of 
Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry. 

The said paper having been read and fully considered, it was unani- 
mously declared to be, and is hereby denounced as a most outrageous 
imposture, and conspiracy against our Most Illustrious Order in general, 
and this Supreme Grand Council in particular. 

Arid whereas, said conspiracy and imposture have been further de- 
veloped in a second publication in the New York Herald of the 20th 
instant, and in the New York Express of the day following, purporting 
to be a notice of the pretended establishment of a "Supreme Grand 
Council for the Northern Hemisphere (!) of the United States of Amer- 
ica," with the following names as ofiicers thereof, headed by a new cham- 
pion, Jeremy L. Cross, with the notorious Henry C. Atwood as his 
Grand Master of Ceremonies, and William H. Jones and William H. 
Ellis, of New Haven, Conn., John S. Darcy, of Newark, N. J., and 
Robert B. Folger and John W. Simons, of New York. Said pretended 
body is declared to be formed " under an American Organization,^^ be- 
ing an amalgamation of the degrees of the " Ancient and Accepted Rite'' 
with the American Chapter and Encampment degrees — a hybrid arrange- 
ment, tending to the breaking up of every Ancient Masonic Landmark, 
and totally at war with all Constitutional Masonic laws, as well as common 
sense. 

Now therefore, be it distinctly and universally known and remembered, 
that all and every one of the aforementioned individuals, have usurped 
the right to degrees, into which they have never been lawfully initiated ; 
that they have been, and are practicing a gross and palpable imposition 
on the Masonic fraternity of the United States, in shamelessly assuming 
to confer degrees, and exercise powers, with which they are not invested, 
and to which they have no lawful claim ; that they are dangerous agitators 
and disturbers of the peace, harmony and good government of the Masonic 
Order, and as such should receive the condemnation of all " good and 
true Masons." 

Resolved, That our Masonic brethren throughout the United States, and 
the world, be, and they are hereby cautioned against the aforenamed in- 
dividuals, as imposters in Masonry, whose only object seems to be decep- 
tion, for purposes of unenviable notoriety, and pecuniary profit. 

Ordered that all intercourse with them on the part of the Brethren 
acknowledging the Northern Supreme Grand Council of the 33d and last 
degree "Ancient and Accepted Rite" be, and is hereby interdicted, under 
the heaviest penalty of Masonic Law. 



356 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

BtVLB aWeumque Jus* 

(Signed.) 
J. J. J. GouRGAs, M. P. Sov. Grand Commander, 33d, ad vitam. 
Edward A. Raymond, 111. Treasurer General of the H. E. 
Charles W. Moore, 111. Secretary General of the H. E. 
KiLLiAN H. Van Rensselaer, 111. Master of Ceremonies. 
Archibald Bull, Sov. Grand Inspector General, 33d. 
John Christie, 111. Captain of the Life Guards. 
Francois Turner, Sov. Grand Inspector General, 33d. 
Giles F. Yates, S. G. I. G. 33d, M. 111. Insp. Lieut. Gr. Commander. 



HERE WE mSERT THE EDICT OF THE CHARLESTON BODY. 

Universi Terrarum Orbis Arddtectonis per Gloriam Ingentis. 

Ueus Jfleuwique Jus. Ordo ab Chao. 

From the Grand East of the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand 
Inspectors General of the Thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and 
Accepted Rite, under the C. C. of the Zenith, near the B. B., answering 
to 32 deg. 45 min. N. L. 

To the Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of all other 
nations, and to all Most Valiant and Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret 
Knights of K. H. and to all Ineffable and Sublime Free and Accepted 
Masons of all degrees, Ancient and Modern, over the surface of the two 
hemispheres. 

To ALL TO WHOM THESE LETTERS SHALL COME GrEE'TING : 

Know ye, that at a stated session of the Supreme Council of Sovereign 
Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree for the Southern 
Jurisdiction of the United States of America, held on the 17th day of the 
month Thammuz, A. M. 5611, corresponding to the 17 th day of July, in 
the vulgar Era 1851, at their Grand East of Charleston, in the State of 
South Carolina. 

It was unanimously decreed, that the following ofBcial manifesto be pub- 
lished to all Free Masons in the two hemispheres, and more especially to 
all Consistories, Chapters, Councils and Lodges, owing their allegiance to 
the Ancient. and Accepted Rite. 



DOCUMENTS. 357 

Whereas, a document has been lately issued by a body in the City of 
New York, wrongfully calling itself the " Supreme Council of Grand In- 
spectors General of the Thirty-third degree for the Northern Ilemisptieje, 
sitting in the valley of New York," which document is signed by Jeremy 
L. Cross, as " M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander," and by Wra. H. 
Ellis, Salem Town, Henry C. Atwood, Wm. H. Jones, John S. Darcy, 
Robert B. Folger, and John W. Simons, as other officers and members ; 
and whereas the said body unwarrantly claims for itself the jurisdiction 
and control of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for the " Northern Hem- 
isphere,^'' and has asserted in the aforesaid document, that Jeremy L. 
Cross received from this Supreme Council, seated at Charleston, " a Pa- 
tent and Charter," with full and ample power to preside over this Nor- 
thern Hemisphere. 

Now therefore, we the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors 
General for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, legally and 
constitutionally established at Charleston, South Carolina, on the 31st of 
May, 1801, by the authorized successors of Stephen Morin, the ''''duly 
appointed Deputy of Frederick II. King of Prussia, and exercising its 
functions by an uninterrupted succession of Grand Commanders, digni- 
taries and members, do hereby make known, that the pretensions of the 
aforesaid Jeremy L. Cross, " have no foundation in truth '^"^ that he never 
received any such Patent or Charter from this Supreme Council ; that he 
is not recorded in its archives as a possesssor of the Thirty-third degree, 
and that his said Council is a spurious and clandestine body whose mem- 
bers do not appear (if we are to judge from the technical errors and nu- 
merous misstatements contained in their manifesto) to possess even a super- 
ficial acquaintance with the higher degrees of the " Ancient and Accepted 
Rite." 

And we do further make known, that the only regularly and legally 
constituted Supreme Council now or ever existing for the Northern Juris- 
diction of the United States, is that of which our Illustrious Brother J. 
J. J. Gourgas is M. P, Sovereign Grand Commander, and which was dulv 
and lawfully established at the City of New York, on the 5th day of 
August, 1813, by Emanuel De La Motta, as the Representative, and 
under the sanction and authority of this Supreme Council, and no person 
can of right, and according to the Grand Constitutions of the Order, exer- 
cise any power as an Inspector, in the said Jurisdiction, unless his Patent 
has been signed by the said Supreme Council, as will appear from the 
foUowinor Article in the aforesaid Grand Constitutions. 



358 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Article XVII. — No Inspector General possesses any individual power 
in a country where a Supreme Council is established. 

Article IX. — No Deputy Inspector can use his Patent in any country 
where a Supreme Council of Inspectors General is established, unless it 
shall be signed by the said Council. 

And we do further make known, that by a Protocol issued from this 
Supreme Council on the 2nd of August, 1845, by virtue of the powers 
in us vested by the Secret Constitutions, all authority, therefore, granted 
by Patents to Deputy Inspectors or others, was revoked and re-called ; 
and that, therefore, if any Patent or Charter whatsoever, had been issued 
in the year 1824, to the said Jeremy L. Cross, as he pretends, the powers 
conveyed by the said Patent or Charter would now no longer have any 
legal existence, in consequence of the said revocation. 

And therefore, lastly, we do hereby warn and admonish all our Princes 
and Knights, Perfect Elect, and Sublime Masons, to hold no Masonic in- 
tercourse in the Sublime and Ineffable degrees with the aforesaid spurious 
and Clandestine body, at the head of which Jeremy L. Cross is placed, 
under the assumed title of Grand Commander ; and we do positively 
interdict all such intercourse on the part of all brethren under our Juris- 
diction, on pain of the highest penalties of Masonic law. 

J. H. Honour, M. P., Grand Commander. 

James C. Norris, 111. Treasurer General, H. E. 

Albert G. Mackey, M. D., 

111. Secretary General, H. E. 

Allee Leprince, 

Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33d. 
C. M. Furman, 

M. L, Lieut. Grand Commander. 




The documents are given together before making any remark, and a 
Copy of the Patent of Mr. Cross is added, in order that all may read it. 
The Author copied it himself, word for word, from the original document. 
He knows the paper to be authentic, and here avouches for it in the face 
of the world. 

Further. Mr. C. C. Sebring, one of the Members of the Charleston 
Council, and a signer of the Patent, has given the Certificate that the 
document is genuine. 

Further. All Masons who have ever seen the Patent, and who are 



DOCUMENTS. 359 

acquainted with the signatures of the men, declare the document a true 
and authentic one. 

We would add a few words concerning the Charleston Manifevsto. 

By a careful perusal of Mr. Cross' document, it will be seen that he, 
in taking the command of the Supreme Council, assumed no power that 
the Patent did not confer upon him. It will be seen that he was not a 
*'' Deputy Inspectoj;''^ but a Sovereign Grand Inspector General Thirty- 
third degree, with power "/or Life,''^ &c. — that his Patent could not be 
revoked, except for " cause " and that the revocation or re-call of his, or 
any other Patent of the kind issued by them, was a mere farce, as it was 
dormant at the time, and was not acted upon until more than Fifteen 
years afterward. 

The bold assertion made in the manifesto " that the pretensions of 
Mr. Cross have no foundation in truth " — " that he never received any 
such Patent or Charter from this Supreme Council " — " that he is not re 
corded in its archives as a possessor of the Thirty-third degree '' — and 
others of the like kind, are answered by a copy of the document itself, 
with the certificate of Mr. C. C. Sebring, a member of that Council, and 
one of the signers, declaring it to be a true and authentic document, 
acknowledging his own signature, and declaring the others to be true and 
genuine. At the time of his giving the certificate, he expressed surprise 
that any one. on examination of the document, should doubt its authen- 
ticity. 

As we have no wish to renew the " war of words,''^ either with that 
body or the editors, who have espoused their cause, we pass over " all 
the rest.^^ 



360 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



IDOCXTIVEEir^T ISTo. 34=. 



Ordo ah Chao, 

JDeus Jfleufuque Jus. 



The Sublime Consistory of Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret, and 
Supreme Grand Council of the Thirty-third degree of and for the State 
of New York, now sitting at this Grand East under the C. C. of the Z. 
at the central point, answering to 40th deg. 41 min. N. L. 

To ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME I 

UNIO]V, 
PEACE AND CONTENTMENT. 

Session of the Fifth day of the second Masonic month, Yiar, A. L. 5851. 
Christian Era April lYth, 1851. 

The M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander presiding, and the various 
Dignitaries in their respective places. 

The Committee to whom was referred the consideration of the Circular 
letter of the M. W. G. M. of Louisiana, touching certain unlawful pro- 
ceedings of the Grand Council of that State, presented the following 
Report, which having been duly considered, was unanimously adopted as 
the opinion of this Supreme Grand Council. 

Daniel Sickles, 111. Grand Secretary. 

To the M. P. Sovereign Grand Consistory, Officers and Dignitaries of 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory, and Supreme Grand Council of the 
Thirty-three degrees. 

The Committee to whom were confided the questions propounded by 
the M. W. Grand Master of Louisiana, to wit : 

First. — Can this Council of the Thirty-third degree of the Scottish 
Rite, lawfully constitute Lodges of Symbolic Masonry in this State, within 
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge ? 



DOCUMENTS. 361 

Second. — Will the fact that they are constituted as Lodges of the 
Scottish Rite make any difference ? 

Third. — Are Lodges so constituted, entitled to be recognized as legally 
constituted ? Are the members of such Lodges, and those initiated there- 
in, lawful brothers, and entitled to visit and communicate with the Grand 
Lodge and its constituent Lodges ? Respectfully 



REPORT. 

That they have given the subject their earnest consideration, and can- 
not avoid giving expression to the pain they feel at the unjust usurpation 
of authority by the Louisiana Council, as well as sorrow, that brethren 
invested with the Exalted honors of Masonry, should display so little 
knowledge of the functions properly appertaining to Grand Councils. In 
order to arrive at a better understanding of the matter, a brief glance at 
the origin of the various rites now practiced, may not be out of place. 

By the term "i?27e;"*we understand the arrangement or classiGcation 
of the degrees, the mode of government, as well as the manner of work, 
thus : Though Masonry is uniform in its principles, it differs in its practi- 
cal working. This difference admits of an easy solution, when we reflect 
that it was simultaneously introduced in the various States of Europe, 
and as a necessary consequence, its ritual became impressed with the 
character of the nation adopting it. The three first, or Symbolic degrees, 
are the foundation of all rites, and in all are the same — after these the 
Order is no longer identical in any two nations. In France, Germany, 
and some other European countries, Masonry is organized under what is 
termed the "Ancient or Scottish rite," composed of Tw^enty-five degrees, 
and having its Supreme head or central authority in the last degree, 
styled Commanders of the Royal Secret. In some of the above men- 
tioned, and generally throughout Europe, the Order is governed by the 
Scottish or Accepted Rite, composed of Thirty-three degrees, having its 
Supreme head in the last, called Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand 
Inspectors General. This rite is a continuation or addition to the Ancient 
Scottish, and was established in 1*762 by Frederick IL King of Prussia, 
who first added seven degrees to the original Twenty-five, and then 
having discovered that there was no provision for a successor to his 
assumed rights and prerogatives in 1786, invented and instituted the 
Thirty-third degree, out of the possessors of which the Supreme Council 
is formed. In this proceeding we see the plainest indication of national 
character, and Masonry clothed with the sweeping privilege of unlimited 
monarchy. 



362 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

In this country the organization of our Order is simply Representative 
or Republican, and, consequently, widely different from European Masonry, 
and it is as peuliarly impressed with the character of the people where it 
exists -as is the former. No Supreme or Central authority exists here, the 
directing power being vested in the representatives of the subordinate, 
blue, or symbolic Lodges, and the Grand Masters and the Grand Officers, 
when duly elected and installed ; and is one of the cardinal principles of 
our government, that no Lodge can lawfully exist without a Warrant 
duly granted by the Grand Lodge, within whose jurisdiction such Lodge 
may be working. It is only necessary to add, that we work under what 
is termed the Ancient York Rite, and the degrees comprising the Scottish 
rite, beyond the Masters degree are merely considered Ineffable, honorary, 
or side degrees. From these premises we deduce the following conclu- 
sions : 

First. — That the creation of Symbolic Lodges by the Grand Council 
of Louisiana, in that State, is unjust, and an unwarrantable assumption of 
power, and a direct interference with the established usages of the Order, 
and the recognized authority of the regular Grand Lodge. 

Second. — That being constituted under the Scottish rite, they are not 
York or Ancient Craft Masons. 

Third. — That being constituted in open defiance of the lawful authority 
of the State, they are illegal and unconstitutional, and, of course, cannot 
be recognized as regular, nor be permitted to communicate with, or visit 
the Grand Lodge or its constituents. 

John W. Simons, ) 

Daniel W. Sickles, > Committee. 

Geo. E. Marshall. ) 

The subjoined preamble and Edict were also directed to be issued over 
the signatures of the body for the government of all Knights, Princes 
Masons, acknowledging its Jurisdiction. 

Whereas it has been sufficiently shown to this Grand Council, that 
a certain body known as the Grand Council of Louisiana, has claimed, 
and actually put in force, certain rights and prerogatives which never 
justly belonged to them, and which are in direct contravention of the 
Constitutional regulations of the M. W. Grand Lodge of that State ; and 

Whereas, an individual, known and distinguished as J. J. J. Gourgas, 
has assumed to himself the rights and privileges only appertaining to a 
regularly constituted organization of Masons for the several degrees, known 
and acknowledged in the United States ; and 

Whereas, it has appeared to us that the said Gourgas, has in his own 



DOCUMENTS. 363 

name, and in the name of a fictitious Council, claimed supervision over 
all Chapters and Encampments (Grand and Subordinate,) in the North- 
ern part of the United States ; and further, that he has actually conferred 
the Royal Arch degree proper, on a single candidate, without the presence 
of the Constitutional number of Royal Arch Masons, to the scandal and 
injury of the Craft ; and 

Whereas the assumption that any Convocation of Princes of Jerusalem, 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, or Sovereign Grand Inspectors 
General, can of right in any way interfere with the vested powers of regu- 
lar Grand Lodges, Grand Chapters, or Grand Encampments, or their 
subordinate bodies, is highly dangerous and inimical to the well-being and 
proper government of the Craft. 

Now, therefore, be it known to all Secret Masters, Perfect Masters, &c., 
<fec., to Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, acknowledging this jurisdic- 
tion, that the before mentioned J. J. J. Gourgas, has no power or autho- 
rity to confer the degrees above mentioned, or to institute Lodges of Per- 
fection, Sovereign Chapter Rose Croix, or Consistories of the Thirty- 
second degree. And further, that inasmuch as he, an?d those claiming 
aflBliation with him, have claimed most unwarrantable interference with 
the lawful powers of the several organizations of Masonry already estab- 
lished and acknowledged, he and they are to be avoided as Cowans, and 
enemies to the peace and good order of the Craft. 

And further, it is enjoined on you and each of you, within the limits of 
the United States of America and territories, bearing in mind the first in- 
junction of Masonry "to be subject to the regular government of the 
country in which you live ; " that you do acknowledge and live comform- 
able to the rules and regulations of all regular Grand Lodges, Grand 
Chapters, and Grand Encampments, wherever you may find them, ever 
remembering as you have heretofore been instructed, that the degrees as 
conferred under the Scottish rite, are entirely separate and distinct from 
the Ancient York rite, and that the Supreme Grand Council only claims 
authority over the bodies instituted by it, and the degrees conferred under 
its supervision. 

In testimony whereof, we, the M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander, 
OflBcers and Dignitaries, of this Sovereign Grand Consistory and 
Supreme Grand Council, have hereunto set our hands, and caused 
our Illustrious Brother the Grand Keeper of the Seals, to seal the 
same. Given at this Grand East, in the valley of New York at 
the date above mentioned. 



364 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Henry C. Atwood, M. P., Sovereign Grand Commander, 

JoHM W. TiMsoN, Illustrious Deputy " " 

John W. Simons, " Lieut. " " 

Edmund B. Hays, " Minister of State, 

Daniel Sickles, " Grand Secretary, 

Geo. E. Marshall, '• " Treasurer, 

A. Colo Veloni,, " *' Master of Ceremonies. 

) Thomas Hyatt, 

Seal. >• Grand Keeper of the Seals 

David Cochrane, Captain of the Guards. 




KEMAKKS BY THE AUTHOR. 

The first section of the above circular letter is in reply to one addressed 
by the M. W. John Gedge, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Louis- 
iana, to the Supreme Council in New York, in relation to the difficulties 
then existing in that State between the Grand Lodge and Supreme Coun- 
cil there. So far as an answer to a direct question is concerned, the re- 
ply of the New York body would be correct according to all Masonic 
law. 

But it would have been proper for the M. W. Bro. Gedge, in asking 
the above questions, to have stated, in brief, the circumstances which led 
him to ask for the desired information, all of which the Supreme Council 
were ignorant of when they undertook the reply. 

If he had stated that the Consistory of the Scottish Rite was estab- 
hsh*ed in New Orleans in 1813, was in active operation as a governing 
body in that State, chartered Symbolic Lodges, had many dependent 
bodies, was recognized as a power in Masonry and performed Masonic 
work in all the degrees up to 1833 — a period of Twenty years uninter- 
ruptedly, — that in 1833 the Grand Lodge of Louisiana asked the Grand 
Consistory to enter into a Concordat with it, thereby relinquishing her 
power over the first three degrees and transferring the same to a Cham- 
ber of Scottish Masons, to be held forever after in the bosom of the Grand 
Lodge, which chamber was to administer the Scottish degrees and man- 
age all the affairs connected therewith, in distinction to the York rite, 
which chamber was then instituted, and continued until 1850 — a period 
of Seventeen years, in harmony, and with the approval of the whole 



DOCUMENTS. 365 

Masonic fraternity, — that wlien the difficulties brought on by M. W. John 
Gedge cuhninated and resulted in the banishing the Scottish chamber, 
cutting off intercourse with all Scottish bodies, and denouncing Scottish 
Masons, thereupon the Supreme Grand Council which grew oat of the 
Consistory and was established in 1839, then becoming the governing 
body and so continued — re-took or took back the power which she had 
delegated to the chamber, and at once assumed control over the first 
three degrees, the Lodges of that rite at once taking out warrants from 
the Supreme Council and returning the old ones to the Grand Lodge. 

This was the state of affairs at the time M. W. Bro. Gedge asked these 
questions. And how far correct the reply may be when investigated with 
these facts the reader can determine. It is very certain that if these facts 
had been known at the time the questions were asked, that reply would 
never have been given. 

The second section, or Edict, mainly relates to Mr. Gourgas, with whom 
great fault is found for conferring the Royal Arch degree proper, upon a 
single candidate, no one else being present. The Council of which Mr. 
Gourgas is Grand Commander replies to this charge, by denying it in toto. 
And the statement made by the brother who received the degree, is, that 
it was the " Dublin " or " Irish Royal Arch " which he received and 
not the one at all which is complained of 

All these statements may be correct ; we are willing to believe them 
so, and to exonerate Mr. Gourgas from blame in this case. Nevertheless, 
when we look back upon the history of these brethren, beginning with 
Abraham Jacobs, in Savannah in 1796, and following him up to 1840, — 
during all of which time he did confer the degrees in this way wherever 
and whenever he could, among which was the Mark Master and Royal 
Arch proper. Then taking up Emanual De La Motta, the great gun of 
the Charleston Council, who followed in the track of Abraham Jacobs in 
Savannah, after he was a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, — then wit- 
ness his transactions in New York in 1813, and the boast he has con- 
stantly made of his own powers, — when we remember that Mr. Gourgas 
is, as it were, the child of De La Motta in these degrees, initiated by him, 
indoctrinated by him, made a Sovereign Grand Inspector General by him, 
and became his amanuensis for years afterward, — when we take into view 
his acts in various ways, and look at the bright exemplars he has had be- 
fore him in the persons of Hays, Francken, Spitzer, Da Costa, Myers, 
Bush, Long, Cohen, De Lieben, and numerous others of that ilk, the re- 
port of the act of Mr. Gourgas in this case will not appear so strange, or 
improbable. Nevertheless, he denies it, and in this case, that ought to 
be sufficient. 



366 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



I>00"03M:E!nNrT KTo- 3S. 



COPY OF THE PATENT ISSUED BY THE SUPREME COUNCIL 
OF CHARLESTON, TO 

III/. Bro.-. JEREMY L. CROSS, P. 111/. G/. C/. 

Universi Terrarum Orbis Architectonis Per Gloriam Ingentis. 

IBtyxn J^cumque Jus. 
Ordo ah Chao. 

" From the Grand East of the Supreme Council of the Most Puissant 
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the 33d degree, under the Celes- 
tial Canopy of the Zenith, answering to the 22d degree and 45 minutes 
N. Latitude. 

" To all our Illustrious, Most Valiant, and Sublime Princes of the Royal 
Secret, Knights K. H., Illustrious Princes and Knights, Grand and In- 
effable Free Masons of all degrees, Ancient and Modern, on the surface of 
the two hemispheres. 

To ALL THOSE TO WHOM THESE LETTERS OF CREDENCE SHALL COME I 

" Know ye, that we, the undersigned Sovereign Grand Inspectors Gen- 
eral, duly and lawfully established and congregated in Supreme Council 
of the 33d degree, have duly and carefully examined our 111. Bro. Jeremy 
L. Cross in the several degrees which he has lawfully received, and, at his 
special request. We do hereby certify, acknowledge and proclaim our 111. 
Bro. Jeremy L. Cross, General Grand Lecturer of the General Grand 
Chapter of the U. S. A., resident in the City of New Haven and State of 
Connecticut, to be an expert Master Mason and Past Master of a Symbolic 
Lodge, and also a Secret Master, Perfect Master, Intimate Secretary, Pro- 
vost and Judge, Intendant of the Buildings, Elect of Nine, 111. Elected of 
Fifteen, Sublime Knight Elect, Grand Master Architect, Knight of the 
Royal Arch, Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Master. We do also cer- 
tify him to be a Knight of the East or Sword and Prince of Jerusalem, 



DOCUMENTS. 367 

Heredom, Grand Pontiff, Master ad vitam, Prussian Knight, Prince of 
Knight of the East and West, Sovereign Prince of the Rose Croix de 
Lebanon, Chief of the Tabernacle, Prince of Mercy, Knight of the Brazen 
Serpent, Commander of the Temple, Knight of the Sun, K. H., Knight 
of St. Andrew, Grand Inquisitor Commander, Subhme Prince of the 
Royal Secret, Sovereign Grand Inspector General and member of the Su- 
preme Council of the 33d degree. 

" And we hereby authorize and empower for life, our said 111. Bro. 
Jeremy L. Cross, to estabish, congregate, superintend and instruct 
Lodges, Chapters, Colleges, Consistories and Councils of the Royal and 
Military Orders of Ancient and Modern Masonry, over the surface of the 
two hemispheres, agreeably to the Grand Constitutions. We therefore 
recommend to all and every of our aforesaid Knights, Princes and Sublime 
Free Masons to receive and acknowledge our said 111. Bro. Jeremy L. 
Cross, to the highest degree in Masonry, and we will reciprocate all atten- 
tion shown him, to those brethren when they may present themselves to 
our Sublime Council, furnished with like lawful letters of credence. 

" To all which we, the aforesaid Sovereign Grand Inspectors General 
and Members of the Supreme Council of the 33d degree for the U. S. A., 
sitting in the City of Charleston, S. C, and duly established the 31st day 
of May, 1801, have hereunto subscribed our names and affixed upon the 
same the Grand Seals of the said III Order, in the Council Chamber, 
near the B. B., under the C. C, this twenty-fourth day of the fifth month, 
answering to the 24th day of June, 1824. 

Moses Holbrook, M. D., K. H., S. P. R. S., Sov, Gr. Ins. Gen. of the 

33d degree, and Grand Commander in the United 

States of America. 
Frederick Dalcho, K. H., S. P. R. S., Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. of the 33d 

degree, and Past Grand Commander in the United 

States of America. 
M. C. Levy, K. H., S. P. R. S., Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. of the 33d degree, 

Minister of State. 
Horatio G. Street, K. H., S. P. R. S., Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. of the 33d 

degree, Keeper of the Seals. 
Alex. McDonald, K. H., S. P. R. S., Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. of the 33d 

degree. Grand Master of Ceremonies. 

James Moultrie, M. D., K. H., S. P. R. S., Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. of the 
33d degree. 



368 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

C. C. Sbbring, K. H., S. p. R. S., Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. of the 33d degree, 
Captain Life Guards. 

Joseph MoCosh, K. H., S. P. R. S., Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen. of the 33d de- 
gree, and Deputy Secretary General of the Holy 
Empire in U. S. A. 



Tabrytown, Westchester County, ) 
State of New York, ) 

This is to certify that I have this day examined a document emanating 
from the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the 
33d degree for the Southern District and Jurisdiction of the United States 
of America, and to which my signature (as one of the officers of that 
Council) is attached, constituting and acknowledging Brother Jeremy L. 
Cross to be a Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 33d degree, and 
that this is a true and genuine Document. 
August 8th, 1851. i 

C. C. Sebring, S. G. I. G., 33d. 



EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES 

OF THE 

Siigrme €mm\l of 3ak\ §x.\ ^npdm §mxd 

OF THE 

THIRTY-THIRD DEQREE, 

^Indent anir ^.tUTjiitb Mitt—'Nm ®rUan0, Ca. 

To the Supreme Council for the IT. S. A., their Territories and De- 
pendencies, sitting in the valley of New Yorh, 

February 9th, 1853. 

Whereas, the Masons of the Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite in the 
"State of Louisiana never parted from the Grand Lodge of said State : 

Whereas, on the contrary, said Grand Lodge has positively declared 
that it would no longer administer them : 



I 



DOCUMENTS. 369 

Whereas, notwithstanding said declaration of said Grand Lodge, said 
Masons of said Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite, since they returned 
under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council, did not cease to recognize 
as BB.*. all regular Masons of all the other regular Rites and to admit 
them in their Lodges : 

Whereas, on the contrary, said Grand Lodge has prohibited the Masons 
under its jurisdicton to recognize and admit in their Lodges said Masons 
of the Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite : 

Whereas, the Supreme Council sitting at New Orleans is the legitimate 
authority for the Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite in the State of 
Louisiana : 

Whereas, the Lodges of said Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite in said 
State of Louisiana, cannot act but through said Supreme Council in mat- 
ter of Rites and of confederation of Rites : 

Whereas, each Rite of Free Masonry is authorized and bound separ- 
ately to administer itself, and can do so without any risk for Masonic 
unity : 

Whei-eas, in order to prevent discussions among the various Rites of 
Free Masonry, it is proper that there be in each Free and Independent 
State, a Grand East where the respective authorities of said Rites be on 
an equal footing respectively to administer the same : 

And whereas, in any place where it is inexpedient or impossible to form 
a Grand East, each Rite has an undoubted right separately to admin- 
ister itself and be nevertheless recognized by the others. 

Be it Resolved by this Supreme Council and the Masons of the An- 
cient and Accepted Scotch Rite in grand communication assembled : 

lo. That the Masons of the Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite in the 
State of Louisiana shall wait in Statu quo that the Grand Lodge of 
Louisiana comes to an understanding with the Supreme Council of Louis- 
iana, agreeably to the principles expressed in the above preambles : 

2o. That whatever be the course pursued by said Grand Lodge on this 
score, said Masons of the Ancient and Accepted Scotch Rite in the State 
of Louisiana shall persevere in their feelings and principles of fraternity 
and toleration : 

3o. That the Supreme Council of Louisiana shall advise with the Reg- 
ular Supreme Councils of the United States and all the Masonic author- 
ities of our correspondence, with a view to secure in this country the 
consolidation of this basis and execution of the above principles : 



370 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

4o. That these preambles and resolutions shall be oflQcially transmitted 
to all Regular Masonic anthorities of both hemispheres. 
(A true copy.) 



I 



SEAL. 



J. J. E. Massicot, 

G. C. G. S. 0. T. H. E. 



iDOoxTJMEESixrrr ]xro. s-z. 



(TRANSLATION.) 



OF 



iran^ #rient d Befa iranak. 

Universi Terrarum Orbis Archiiectonis Per Gloriam Ingentis. 

Or do ah Chao. IPeus Jffeuvnque Jus. 

The Grand Orient and Supreme Council of the Most Puissant Sove- 
reign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree of the Free, 
Ancient, and Accepted Scottish rite — and accepted by the Grand Orient 
National of the Free and Independent Repubhc of New Grenada, situated 
below the vertical point of the Zenith, which corresponds to 10 deg. 25 
min. North Latitude, and 1 deg. 6 min. Longitude East of the meridian 
of Bogota. 

To the Grand Orient and Supreme Council of the M. P. and Illustrious 
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third and last degree 
of the aforesaid Free. Ancient, and Accepted Scottish rite, and accepted 
by the Free and Independent State of New York, in the United States of 
North America, and to whom these presents should come : 

HEALTH, STABILITY, POWER. 

We have received the very fraternal salutation that you very kindly 
addressed us in your very estimable letter of the 18th day of May of the 



DOCUMENTS. 371 

present year, E. V., and with it the most fraternal sentiments of " Union 
— Contentment — and Peace," with which you wish to form relations 
with this Grand Orient and Supreme Council, organized completely in 
intimate relations with, and allegiance to, the Grand Orient of France, 
near which we are worthily represented by our Illustrious Brother Le- 
blanc de Marconnai, the same who has had the goodness to recommend 
us to you. 

It gives us great satisfaction to establish with you intimate and close 
relations of Union, Contentment and Peace, which shodd be the reign- 
ing principles of all legally constituted Grand Orients of the Universe. It 
is a misfortune of our own which we have always deplored, that this re- 
union and intimacy should not have taken place until the present time. 
We duly accept the acknowledgment of your complete organization in 
Masonic power with that of the illustrious brethren that compose it, and 
very particularly that of the Illustrious members of your Supreme Coun- 
cil of Soverereign Grand Inspectors General Thirty-third degree. 

We have accepted with pleasure your timely and opportune sugges- 
tions with regard to the appointment of a Grand Representative, which in 
virtue of our relations ought to take place. 

We have admitted and designated, with general applause, the M. Pr 
and Illustrious Brother Henri Rilliet, Honorary member of that Supreme 
Council, to represent the Grand Orient of New Granada near that Na- 
tional Grand Orient — and in the same manner, and guided by the same 
sentiments, in favor of the great interest of the fraternal tie which binds 
us, we have the honor of indicating to you as your Grand Representative 
in this Grand Orient and Supreme Council, the Puissant and Illustrious 
Brother Juan Jose Nieto. May the ardent fire of friendship which ani- 
mates us, render closer the tie which unites us in a just and useful man- 
ner to our Order. 

We have the pleasure of annexing a list of the members of this 
Supreme Council, and of the subordinate Lodges which are in existence 
this day, legally constituted under the auspices of this Grand Orient. 
We also forward to you our book of Constitutions for your approval. We 
shall hereafter send you further particulars, and among them those 
respecting the powers for our Grand Representative, the Puissant and 
Illustrious Brother Henri Rilliet, in whose possession we request you will 
place the same. We will do the same as soon as we obtain your esti- 
mable letter relative to the person who is to represent you. Until we may 
have the honor of receiving your further salutations, we will continue 
raising our vows for your Peace and Happiness. 



372 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Dated from the G. 0. of Carthagena, signed by our hands, and sealed 
with the Grand Seal of the 9th day of the Tth month, Tishri, of the 
True Light 5853 E. V., September 12th, 1853. 

Francisco de Zubiria, 

Sov. Gr. M. of the G. 0. 33d degree. 
Jose A, Lojpez Marin — 33d degree, 

Ditgo Martinez — 33d degree, 
'iuan Jose JVieto — 33d degree, 

Henrique P. de la Vega — 33d, 
Anio, Ma. de Zuhiria, 
y Her r era — 33 d. 

List of Officers and Members of G. 0. and Supreme Council, 33d 

degree. New Grenada: 
Francisco de Zubiria, Sovereign Grand Master of the Order, 
Juan Jose Nieto, Assistant " " " " 

Jose Anto. Lopez Marin, Grand Commander, 
Diego Martinez, Lieut. Grand Commander, 

Fernando de Lossada, Grand Minister of State, 
Antonio Ma. de Zubiria, " Keeper of the Seals, 
Gregorio Cerra, " Chancellor, 

Louis de Porras, " Master of Ceremonies, 

Antonio Lopez de Osse, " Standard Bearer, 
Ildefonso Mendez Zapata, " Captain of the Guards, 
Manuel Ma. Guerrero,^ 
Ildefonso Mendez, | 

Juan Ucros, ^ Grand Representatives. 

Jose Angel Gomez, j 

H. P. de la Vega, J 



HONORARY MEMBERS : 
L'Blanc de Marconnay, Roberto Bunch, 

Valerio F. Barriga, Manuel G. Gonzalez, 

Sebastian Franco, Luis Torres, 

Jacobo Henriquez. 

September 12th, 1853. 
By the Gr. Sec. Gen., Henrico P. de la Vega, S. G. I. G. 33d. 



DOCUMENTS. 



373 



LIST OF SUBORDINATE BODIES. 



Symholic Lodges. 



La Hospitalidad Granadina, 
" Filantropia Rio Hacheira, 
" Caridad Universal, 
** Union, 

" Perfecta Igualdad, 
" Estrella del Fequendama, 
" Union i Concordia, 
" Union Fraternal, 
" Hospitalidad del Magdalena, 



No. 1, 
" 4, 
" 6, 

" 9, 
« 10, 

" 11, 

" 13, 
« 12, 
" 14. 



" Fraternidad Franco Granadina, " 15, 



Carthagena, 

Rio Hache, 

Santa Martha, 

Carthagena, 

Curacoa, 

Bogota, 

Colon (Aspinwall,) 

Barranquilla, 

Honda, 

Panama. 



Carthagena, 
St. Martha, 



La Concordia, Chap. R .*. ^ No. 1, 

" Caridad Universal, " " *' 6, 

" Estrella del Zequendama, " " " 11, 

In Carthagena there are : 1 Council Kadosch 30th deg. ; 1 Tribunal 
31st deg. ; 1 Areopagus 32d deg. ; also a Council of Kadosch at Panama 
and Bogota. The seat of the G. 0. of New Grenada is at Carthagena. 

September 12th, 1853. 
Henrique P. de la Vega, Gr. Sec. Gen. H. E. 



374 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



IDOOTTlMESKrT 3>ffO- 30. 



(TRANSLATION.) 



Ordo ab Chao. 

npmt €amdl of Jtlgm 

JDeus •Weufuque Jus. 

Most III. Bro. : 

I have the pleasure to inform you, that your fraternal communication 
of April 4th last (profane date), was read in solemn session of our Supreme 
Council and gave us the greatest satisfaction. We learn with pleasure 
that the great principles which form the basis of Masonry, and principally 
of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, are recognized and practised 
in your land, and that notwithstanding the distance which separates us, the 
chain of union is not interrupted. 

We gladly accept the proposition you make us, mutually to name oflB- 
cial representatives, on either part, to further the fraternal relations and 
correspondence existing between us. 

We will d-eliver our powers to any of your Sovereign Grand Inspectors 
General 33d whom it may please you to designate. 

We propose to appoint as your representative near our Supreme Coun- 
cil our very dear Brother, Edouard Fischer, 33d, proprietaire, residing at 
Brussels, rue du fosse aux loups No, 50. He is an old Mason, of zeal 
and experience, who will well fill the functions which you may confide in 
him. 

Receive V. 111. Brother our fraternal salutations, by the mystic number 
which you know, and by all the honors due to you. 

The Secretary General of the Supreme Council, 

C. HooRiCKE, 33d. 
To the V.-. D.-. B.-. Grand Secretary of the Supreme Council sitting at 

New York. 



DOCUMENTS. 375 



lyoGTJTS/LESv^'r 1^0. so. 



PA TEN T 

OP 

ALEXANDRE FRANCOIS AUGUSTE, 

COUNT DE ORAS§E TIL,I.Y, 

From the Original in, the •Archives of the Supreme 
Council at Charleston^ S. C. 



Universi Terrarum Orbis Architedonis Gloria ah Ingentis. 

2ieus J^rumque Jus. 
Ordo ab Chao, 

From the East of the Grand and Supreme Council of the Most Puissant 
Sovereigns, Grand Inspectors General, under the Celestial Canopy of the 
Zenith which answers to 32 deg. 4 min. North. Lat. 

To the Most Illustrious, Most Valiant and Sublime Princes of the Royal 
Secret, Knights of K. H., Illustrious Princes and Knights, Grand, Ineffa- 
ble and Sublime Free, Accepted and Perfect Masons, of all degrees, An- 
cient and Modern, over the surface of the two hemispheres. 

To ALL TO WHOM THESE LETTERS OF CREDENCE SHALL COME : 

EUSiatLirisi* 

Know ye, that we the undersigned, Sovereign Grand Inspectors Gen- 
eral, duly and lawfully established and congregated in Supreme Council 
of the 33d degree, have carefully and duly examined our Illustrious 
Brother, Count Alexandre Francois Auguste de Grasse Tilly, in the several 
degrees which he has lawfully received, and at his special request we do 
hereby certify, acknowledge and proclaim our Illustrious Brother Alexandre 
Francois Auguste de Grasse Tilly, of Versailles, in France, ancient Cap- 
tain of Cavalry, and an Engineer in the service of the United States of 
America, to be an expert Master and Past Master of the Symbolic 
Lodge, &c. 



376 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

(Here follow a list of the degrees up to the 33 d.) 

And we do also certify that the said Illustrious Brother is Grand Com- 
mander for life in the French West India Islands. 

And we hereby authorize and empower our said Illustrious Brother, 
Count Alexandre Francois Auguste de Grasse Tilly, to establish, con- 
gregate, superintend and inspect, all Lodges, Chapters, Councils, Colleges 
and Consistories, of the Royal and Military Order of Ancient and Modern 
Free Masonry, over the surface of the two hemispheres, agreeably to the 
Grand Constitutions. 

We therefore command all and every of our aforesaid Knights, Princes 
and Sublime Masons, to receive and acknowledge our Illustrious Brother, 
Count Alexandre Francois Auguste de Grasse Tilly, in his several qual- 
ities, to the highest degrees in Masonry ; and we shall reciprocate the 
attentions shown to him, to those brethren who may present themselves 
to our Supreme Council, furnished with lawful certificates or letters of 
credence. 

To which letters of credence, we, the undersigned. Sovereign Grand 
Inspectors General, members of the Supreme Council of the 33d degree* 
in Charleston, South Carolina, hereunto subscribed our names, and affixed 
thereto the Grand Seal of the said Illustrious Order, in the Grand Coun- 
cil Chamber, near the B. B. under the C. C. this nineteenth day of the 
twelfth month, called Adar, of the Restoratiou 5562 — Anno Lncis 5802 
and of the Christian Era the 21st day of February, 1802. 

John Mitchell, K. H., P. R. S., Sovereign Grand Inspector General 

SSd and Grand Commander. 
Frederick Dalcho, K. H., P. R. S., Sovereign Grand Inspector Gen- 
eral 33c? and Lieut. Grand Commander. 
Isaac Auld, K. H., P. R. S., Sovereign Grand Inspector General 38c?. 
J. B. Bo WEN, K. H., P. R. S., Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33c? 

and Grand Master of Ceremonies. 
Jn. Be. M. Delahogue, Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33cZ and 

Lieut. Grand Commander of the French West 

Indies. 
J. D. LiEBEN, K. H., P. R. S., Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33c? 

and Grand Treasurer of the Empire, pro. tem. 
Ab. Alexander, Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33c? and Grand 

Secretary of the Holy Empire. 



DOCUMENTS, 377 

I certify the above and foregoing copy to be conformable 
to the original. 

Charleston, South Carolina, March 15th, 1802. 

AUGUSTE DE GrASSE. 



J Seal of the Grand Council / \ Seal of the G 

1 Pr/. of the R.-. S.-. ( 1 Princes of 



Grand Council I 
Jerusalem. C 



Seal of the 
Supreme Council. 



The following is a translation from the French original, in the Archives 
at Charleston, annexed to the above Patent : 



Universi Terrarum Orbis Architectonis Gloriam ah Ingentis, 
JDeus Jfleumque Jus. Ordo ah Chao> 

At the East of the Grand and Sublime Council of the Most Illustrious 
Sovereign Inspectors General, under the C. C. of the Z. answering to the 
32d deg. 45 min. North Lat. 

To our Most Illustrious, Most Vahant and Sublime Princes of the Royal 
Secret, Knights K. H., Illustrious Knights, Grand, Inefifable and Sublime 
Masons of all degrees. Ancient and Modern, over the surface of the two 
hemispheres. 

To all to whom these presents shall come — Greeting : 

Know ye, that our Th.*. 111. Bro. Auguste de Grasse, Grand Inspector 
General and Sovereign Grand Commander of the French Islands, is, by 
these presents, appointed the Representative of the Supreme Council of 
the 33d degree, of the French Islands, and Representative of all Lodges, 
Chapters, Councils, Colleges and Consistories of the Royal and Military 
Order of Ancient and Modern Free Masonry, from the Knights of the East 
and West, l7th degree, to the highest degree of Masonry, near all Chap- 
ters, Councils, Colleges and Consistories of the same Sublime degrees, in 
the French Islands. 

Therefore we pray all our Illustrious brethren, to receive and acknow- 
ledge our aforesaid 111. Bro. as our Deputy, and to render unto him all honors 



378 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

due him in said high capacity, and we promise to reciprocate the same 
attentions shown him, to those brethren who may present themselves in 
our Subhme Councils, furnished with certificates or letters of credence. 

To which letters of credence we have subscribed our names, and affixed 
the great seal of our Sublime Order, in our Grand Council Chamber, 
near the B. B., under the C. C, the 5th day of the 5th month, called 

6562, Anno Lucis 5802, and of the Vulgar Era, the 3d day of 

August, 1802. 

John Mitchell, K. H., S. P. R. S., Sovereign Grand Inspector Gen- 
eral of the 33 c? degree and Grand Commander of 
the United States of Arnerica. 

Frederick Dalcho, K. H., S. P. of the R. S., Sovereign Grand Inspector 
General of the 33d degree and Lieut. Grand 
Commander of the U. S. A. 



Seal ) ( Seal 

of the > -j of the 

Order. 1 f Order. 



I 



Seal of the 
Supreme Council. 



Ab. Alexander, Illustrious Grand Secretary General of the Holy 
Empire. 

Here follows the Count de Grasse' signature to a certificate, vouching 
the above to be a correct copy of the original document. 



WARRANT 



OF 



%ut Crnix C|E]itn, 

WITH A HISTORY 

OF THE 

RITE OF 

ftxtlam d WiWxxxm^J* 

WITH REMARKS 

CONCERNING THE PRETENSIONS 

OF THE 

FOUNME, AND THE MEMBEES. 



^ 



"RITE OF HEREDOM OF KILWINNING. 



Lodge La Tendre Amitie Franco Amer- 
icaine formed in New York City, by refu- 
gees from St. Domingo, in 1793, without 
authority — changed its name in 1795 to 
L" Union Americaine, and was connected 
with Triple Union Chapter — split in 1797 
— when Huet Lachelle chartered it as 
DUnion Francaise. 



neo 



1786 



Said to be established at Edinburg in 
this year. 



Chartered at Rouen, France, by the Roy- 
al Grand Lodge of Edinburg — Mr. Matthe- 
us Grand Master. May 1st 1786. 



Lodge " La Tendre 
Amitie Franco Amer- 
icaine, New York. 



Lodge L'Unitie Amer- 
icaine, New York. 



Lodge L'Unitie Amer- 
icaine splits, and out 
of it comes L'Union 
Francaise. 



1793 



1795 



1797 




Triple \ 
Union . j 



1790 



1797- 



Huet 
Lachelle. 



The Rite established in St. Domingo, by 
Achille Huet de Lachelle, Royal Grand 
Master of the Grand Lodge of the Royal 
Order of Herod im, located at Little Goave. 



Lachelle came to the United States 
in 1797 and chartered the Triple Union 
Chapter Rose Croix. The Choisis Amis 
Rose Croix Chapter and Lodge L'Union 



1797 



1797 



Chap 
Ch 



Jhoisis y 
Amie. 



Lodge 

L'Union 

Francaise. 



Francaise, which 
grew out of the 
split in Lodge Z' 
Unitie A mericainW. 



At the split, the members of L'Union Francaise, applied for a Chapter of Rose Croix de H. D. 
M., and Lachelle chartered it as Choisis Amies. He also chartered Triple Union, with Lodge L' 
Union Americaine as its base. The Lodges were inhibited by the Grand Lodge in 1798, and L' 
Union Francaise soon after Applied to the Grand Lodge and became regular. The others went 
down — having no regular authority. See accompanying history. 



DOCUMENTS. 381 



f 



ST^JflJP. 

FRENCH PROVINCIAL 
LODGE 

O. of New York. 



In the name of the Holy and Indivisible Trinity. — In a place very holy 
where reign, Faith, Hope and Charity, 

Eternal Greeting in God. 

We, Achille Huet Lachelle (Wisdom,) Provincial Grand Master of the 
Sovereign Chapter of Heredom of Kilwinning for America, under the dis- 
tinctive title of " St. Esprit," at the Orient of " Le petit Goave,'^ actu- 
ally sitting at New York, assisted by the Respectable and Perfect brethren. 
Knights, Princes Chalon De Ayrat (Strength,) and Anthony Stafford 
(Beauty), first and second Guardians of the Tower, also assisted by the 
Respectable and Perfect Brethren, Knights undersigned, having been re- 
quested by the Respectable brethren Renee Jean Vanderbroeck, Honorary 
Officer of our Grand Lodge and Sovereign Chapter, Joseph Mallene 
Bosse and Francis Linch^ to constitute them into a Chapter at the O. of 
New York, under the distinctive title of the " Amis Choisis,''^ under the 
Presidency of the Respected and Perfect Brethren Renee Jean Vanden- 
broeck (Sincerity,) according to the Rite and Statutes of the Sublime 
Order of Heredom of Kilwinning. 

By the unanimous consent of the Grand Lodge, and Grand and Sove- 
reign Provincial Chapter of the " St. Es'prit^^^ we have granted, and do 
hereby grant to the Respectable and Perfect Brethren Renee Jean Van- 
derbroeck (Sincerity,) and to the Venerable and Perfect Brethren 
above named, the permission to establish a Sovereign Chapter of Rose 
Croix of Heredom of Kilwinning, under the distinctive title " les Amis 
Choisis,'^ at the Orient of New York, with all the prerogatives thereto 
belonging, under the Presidency of the Respectable and Perfect Brother 
Renee Jean Vanderbroeck (Sincerity,) who will adopt during the whole 
time of his Presidency, the invariable characteristic (Wisdom). We 
leave to the Respectable and Perfect Brethren, petitioners for these Con- 
stitutions, the choice and the number of their founders. We appoint as 
Deputy Installing Commissioner of the Sovereign Chapter " Ze5 Amis 
Choisis,''^ the Respectable and Perfect Brother Pierre Chalon D'' Ayrat 
(Wisdom,) President of the Sovereign Chanter " la Triple Union,'^ 0, 



I 



382 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

of New York, to whom we leave the selection of the number of bis assist- 
ants. These Constitutions are granted to the Sovereign Chapter " les 
Amis Choisis^^ on the following clauses and conditions : 1st. To observe 
strictly the Rules and Statutes of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the 
Grand and Sublime Royal Order of Heredom of Kilwinning of Edinburgh. 
2d. To send to the constituting Provincial Chapter the minutes of the In- 
stallation and the list of Brethren, in triplicate, with their Civil, Masonic, 
and characteristic distinctions, so that the Sovereign Provincial Chapter 
may forward them to the Chief of the Order as well as the Sovereign 
Provincial Chapter of France, sitting at Rouen, the address of which is, 
to the Respectable and Perfect Brother Matthaeus, Provincial Grand Mas- 
ter. 3d. To continue this practice every year. 4th. To keep up a cor- 
respondence with the Sovereign Chief of the Order, and all regular 
Sovereign Chapters. 5th. Not to receive a Rose Croix except in the 
Sovereign Chapter, and by the general consent of all the members, 
which consent must be unanimous. 6 th. To take the Oath between the 
hands of the Deputy Installing Commissioner, and at that time to adopt a 
Characteristic. 

We, therefore, command all Respectable Regular Lodges, as well as all 
Respectable and Perfect Brethren, Knights Rose Croix of Heredom of Kil- 
winning, to regard and treat the Sovereign Chapter " les Amis Ckoisis,^^ 
and the members comprising the same, as regularly constituted, and to 
render them their due in this regard. ^ 

In testimony of which, we have caused to be sealed and stamped these 
present Constitutions, to which we have affixed our Signatures and Cha- 
racteristics. Done and Delivered in Sovereign Provincial Chapter, at the 
0. of New York, this Twenty-eighth day of the Second month in the year 
of True Light 5V98. 

A. HuET Lachelle (Wisdom,) Prov. Grand Master, 
Chalon, D'Ayrat (Strength,) 1st Guardian of the Tower, 
Anth. Stafford (Beauty,) 2d " " " 

Rom. D'Olive (Gratitude,) ^__=__==™,/. ^ 

Jean Baptiste Desdoity (Royalty,) f 

John G. Tardy (Candor,) Seal of the 

„ _, /T7 1 X -{ Pkov. Lodge of 

S. Baillergean (Frankness,) ] g^^ Domingo. 

Lefevre (Constancy,) I 

By Order of the Provincial Grand Master, v-___— — ,^ ^ 

CouRBE (Humanity,) 

Provincial Grand Secretary. 



DOCUMENTS. 383 



THE 

^opl ®rkr of ^mkm of |iiltoiratmg. 

The origin and history of this Order or Rite is peculiarly interesting to 
American Masons, in consequence of the connection existing between it 
and the Scottish Rite of Perfection at the period when the latter was in- 
troduced into this country. Its early history is veiled in so much mystery 
and confusion, owing to the numberless forgeries, falsehoods and contradic- 
tory accounts of its founders, that it is a difficult task at the present day, 
to discern the true from the false. 

Clavel states that the " Royal Order of Heredom of Kilwinning " con- 
sisted of a Rose- Croix degree, which was divided into two " points of in- 
itiation," the ceremonies being supposed to take place in a fictitious toivcr, 
whence the degree was sometimes termed " Rose-Croix of the Tower." 
The members of the Order, at the time of their reception adopt a charac- 
teristic name, such as valor, prudence, candor, &c., by which they are 
afterwards designated, and which they make use of in signing all Masonic 
documents. These characteristics are, however, never written in full, the 
first and last letters, and the intermediate consonants alone being used, 
thus v-l-r, valor ; p-r-d-n-c-e, prudence ; c-n-d-r, candor, (fee. There are 
four officers however, who besides their personal characteristics, make use 
of a special characteristic of their several offices, viz. : the President (wis- 
dom), the Sen. Warden (strength), the Jun. Warden (beauty), and the 
Introductor (alarm). The President has the additional title of " Ather- 
satha," and the Wardens, of " Guardians of the Tower." This degree, 
though similar in its doctrine and objects to the Rose-Croix of the Scottish 
Rite, differs from it essentially in its ceremonies. 

Thory, who, in 1807, was " Athersatha" of the Chapter " du Choix" 
at Paris, states that the Chapter conferred ^jur degrees, viz. : 1. Mason of 
Heredom ; 2. Knight of the Tower ; 3. Knight Rose-Croix ; 4. Knight 
Rose-Croix of Heredom. The first three were the same in fact as the de- 
grees of Scotch" Master, Knight of the East, and Prince Rose-Croix, while 
the fourth and last was identical with the Rose-Croix degree of the famous 
Chapter of Arras, which claimed to have been constituted by Prince 
Charles Edward Stuart. It consisted principally of the " figurative ban- 
quet of the Paschal Lamb." Inimmerable versions of these Rose-Croix 
degrees existed in France, but we can find no authentic trace of any prior 



384 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

to the year 1760. Care mast be taken not to confound these Christian or 
rather Roman Cathohc Rose-Croix degrees with the Alchymistic Rose 
Croix or Rosicrucian degrees, which existed at a much earher peiiod and 
are totally different in every respect. 

The ritual of the Order of Herodem, pretends that " the Royal Order 
was first established at Icolmkill and then at Kilwinning where Robert 
Bruce, King of Scotland, presided in person as Grand Master, that he re- 
stored the Order, and connected with it the remnant of the Scottish 
Knight Templars." The Scottish Masons base this assertion on a passage 
in Nisbeth's Heraldry, which states that "Robert Bruce founded the Royal 
Order." This Royal Older, however, was in reality the " Order of the 
Thistle^ To get over this difficulty they pretend that the two orders 
originally formed but one, with a double system, the one exoteric and ht- 
eral under the title of the " Thistle," the other esoteric and mysterious 
under that of " Herodem ;" that in the course of time the esoteric portion 
became the exclusive property of the Masons, while the exoteric was re- 
tained by the crown. These arguments though ingenious are deficient of 
any proof. The actual establishment of the Order of Herodem, (or 
H-D-M, as usually written,) in Fiance, is as follows : On the 4th of June, 
1*765, the Grand Lodge of France constituted the symbolic Lodge " Ar- 
dente Amitie" at Rouen. On the 31st Dec, 1778, this lodge was re- 
constituted by the Grand Orient. Thory tells us that on the 1st of May, 
1786, the '''Royal Grand Lodge of Edinburgh ^^ constituted a Grand 
Lodge and Grand Chapter of the Order of Herodom of Kilwinning at 
Rouen and appointed M. Matheus, a merchant of that city, as Prov. Grand 
Master of the Order for France. These two bodies were installed on the 
1st of August, 1786. They held their meetings in the hall of the Lodge 
" Ardente Amitie " and were probably composed of the members of that 
Lodge. The new Grand Lodge as customary at that time at once notified 
the Grand Orient of its establishment and asked for recognition. This 
gave rise to a spirited debate in consequence of which the Lodge " Ar- 
dente Amitie" was stricken from the roll of Lodges on the 8th of May, 
1788. Lawrie states that "in February, 1788, a charter was granted by 
the Grand Lodge of Scotland to a Lodge at Rouen, under the title of 
' Ardente Amitie,' and that Louis Clavel, R. W. M. of the Scottish Lodge 
at Rouen, was appointed Prov. Grand Master over all the Lodges in 
France holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland." This Louis Clavel 
was at the same time Deputy Prov. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge 
of the Order of Herodom at Rouen of which M. Matheus was Grand 
Master. Notwithstanding the slight discrepancy in dates, it will be seen 



DOCUMENTS. 385 

that Lawrie corroborates the statements of Thory, In spite of the dis- 
favor with which the Grand Orient regarded the new organization, it ap- 
pears to have flourished, for in 1810 we find that it had twenty-four sub- 
ordinate Chapters in various parts of the world. The eighth on the hst 
was the Chapter " Le Saint Esprit " at Little Goave, St. Domingo. 

Thory, in his history of the Grand Orient gives us a copy (in English 
and French) of the Patent of Mattheus, and also of the Warrant of Con- 
stitution, which purport to be signed on the 1st May, 1786, by Wm. 
Charles Little, (Wisdom,) as Deputy Grand Master and Governor ; Wra. 
Mason (Strength,) Sen. Grand Warden, and Wm. Gibb (Beauty,) Jun. 
Grand Warden. Wm. Charles Little was Substitute Grand Master of 
the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1782 and lY83, and Wm Mason, Grand 
Secretary of the same body from 1774 to 1794. These Documents have 
generally been considered as authentic. It then remains to ascertain 
what was the body which styled itself the " Royal Grand Lodge at Edin- 
burgh," from which their documents purport to emanate. It certainly 
was not the Grand Lodge of Scotland, which repeatedly and strenuously 
denounced all the higher degrees as innovations. Kloss has devoted consid- 
erable space in his " History of Free Masonry in England, Ireland, and 
Scotland," to the Investigation, and thinks that the key to the mystery, 
will be found in the dissensions existing between the old Lodge at Kil- 
winning and the Grand Lodge. The Lodge of Kilwinning claimed pre- 
cedency as the oldest Lodge in Scotland, but having failed to produce 
the necessary proofs, the charter and other documents being lost, was in- 
scribed as No. 2 on the list of Lodges. This was the origin of the quar- 
rel, which grew mor6 and more violent until 1763, when we do not find 
it mentioned among the Lodges, it having probably become extinct. 
Sometime after, we find a Lodsfe "Kilwinnino:" at Edinburgh, claimino- 
to be a continuation of the old Lodge. Now, it is not at all unlikely, that 
the dissident brethren of Kilwinning, like the " Ancient Masons " of Eng- 
land, may have claimed that they alone possessed the true and genuine 
Masonry, and that they practised certain higher degrees of Masonry in 
the same way that the " Ancient Masons" made use of the Royal Arch. 

The word "Heredom" appears also to throw some hght upon the 
subject. The terms Heredom, Herodom, or Heroden, have been various- 
ly interpreted. The Ritual of the Order, says that it is the name of a 
mountain near Kilwinning; this is an error. Some derive it from the 
Hebrew " Harodim," others from the Greek, " ieros domos," a holy 
hou>e. But the most sensible interpretation is, that Heredum is the 
genitive plural of the Latin Haeres, answering to the English Heirdom, 



386 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

an inheritance; the bretheren of the " Roy ar Order " claiming to be the 
inheritors or heirs of the Heirdom of Kilwinning, that is, the legitimate 
successors of the Old Lodge of Kilwinning. 

That the Patent and Warrant, did actually emanate from some body 
in Edinburgh, appears also from the fact, that Brother Oudet, in a Report 
from the Grand Orient, says that "Brother Mattheus applied for, and 
received from, certain private persons in Scotland, a Patent, &c." 

In the latter part of the 18th century, several Lodges and Chapters of 
the Royal Order of Robert Bruce or Herodem, were opened in St. 
Domingo by Achille Huet de Lachelle, who styled himself " the Royal 
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Herodem." 
He states himself that he derived his anthority from the most Sublime 
Chief of the Order in France. He established in Baltimore a Sovereign 
Grand Chapter under the titile of the Chapter of Truth, at the request of 
certain " Knights of the Cape," who had sought refuge there, in conse- 
quence of the revolution of St. Domingo. The Sovereign Chief of the 
O. for France had been first applied to, but he referred them back to the 
Provincial Chapter. Huet de Lachelle, who had also been driven from 
St. Domingo, passed eight months in the United States. He established 
at New York an Anglo-American Sovereign Grand Chapter under the 
title of " Amis Choisis," of which Brother Vandenbroeck was President, and 
in the same city a Sovereign Chapter of France, the " Triple Union," of 
which Challon d'Ayrat was President. In Philadelphia he established 
two Chapters, one for the members of the Chapter of Truth, of the Cape, 
under the name of Truth and Union, Bizoriard, President, and the other 
for the Lodge of Amenity and Candour, Gauvin, President. All these 
Chapters appointed Lachelle Ambassador, by letters of delegation to the 
Sovereign Chief of the Order at Kilwinning of Edinburgh, to the Sove- 
reio-n Provincial Chapter of France, sitting at Rouen, and to the Grand 
Orient of France. He went to F'rance on his mission in 1798, and 
delivered the documents to Mattheus, Grand Master of the Grand 
Lodge at Rouen. Soon after he returned to St. Domingo and found 
Chapters estabhshed there by the Grand Orients of Charleston, Philadel- 
phia and Marseilles. These several chapters were required to acknow- 
ledge the Grand Orient of France as their head. In 1803, a Provincial 
Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Accepted Rite (?) was established at 
Port au Prince, by the Grand Orient of Pennsylvania, the officers of 
which were installed by Lachelle, who then acted as the Representative 
of both the Grand Lodges of France as well as the Royal Order of 
Scotland. 



DOCUMENTS. ' 387 

The above document, together with a condensed history of the " Rite 
of Heredom of Kilwinning'''' from various authors, has been introduced 
for many reasons, and is considered quite as important as any one docu- 
ment in the whole collection. 

The first thing to which the attention of the reader is directed, is the 
rite itself, and its connections. Tliory states that "on the 1st May, 1786, 
the 'Royal Grand Lodge of JEdinhurgh,^ (not the Grand Lodge of 
Scotland,) constituted a Grand Lodge and a Grand Chapter of the Order 
of Heredom of Kilwinning "at Rouen, and appointed M. Mattheus, a 
merchant of that city, as Provincial Grand Master of the Order in France." 
The Order flourished, and by the year 1810 it had twenty-four subordinate 
chapters in various parts of the world. The eighth on the list was the 
Chapter " le Saint Esprit " at Little Goave, St. Domingo. 

Between the years 1790 and 1800, several Lodges and Chapters of the 
Royal Order of Herodem were opened in St. Domingo by Achille Huet 
de Lachelle, who styled himself " the Royal Grand Master of the Grand 
Lodge of the Royal Order of Herodem of Kihv inning,''^ deriving his 
authority from the Most Sublime Chief of the Order in France (Mattheus). 
He established a Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland, title, " the ChaiAer of 
Truth ;''"' one at New York, an Anglo-American, title '■'Amis Choisis ;'''' 
another in the same city, French, title " Triple Union ; " also two in 
Philadelphia, one under the name of " Truth and Union^'' the other 
under the name of " Amenity and Candor ^ 

The Chapter " Triple Union " (French) was chartered in New York 
in 1795 by Lachelle to French refugees, who had three years previously 
constituted a Master's Lodge, (1793,) without any authority whatever, 
the title of which Lodge was " La Tendre Amitie Franco- Americaine^^'' 
but in 1795 it changed its name to ^^ L^ Unite AmericaineP This Chap- 
ter was the first of that degree (Rose Croix) in the United States. The 
Chapter " Choises Amis'''' was chartered in April, 1798, to the members 
of the same Lodge, in which there appears to have been some diffi- 
culty, out of which grew a separation, and a change of the name to 
^'' V Union Francais^^ was adopted 1797. This Chapter was applied for 
by the members of this Lodge as an attachment to their body, French 
system, (see plate 3d — heading 178G.) The Charter is given word for 
word at the commencement of this document. The Triple Union Chap- 
ter retained the old Lodge, " L' Unite Americainey 

This Lodge, as before observed, was first known in 1793 under the 
name of ' La Tendre Amitie Franco- Americaine^''^ and was made up of 
refugees from St. Domingo, who were altogether without any legal Ma- 



388 SCOTTISH EITB, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

sonic authority, and constituted a Lodge for themselves. The charter 
granted by Huet de Lachelle from St. Domingo in 1795 for ^'•Triple 
Union Chapter " embraced the Lodge also, which then took the name of 
^^ 1? Unite Americainey Subsequently Achille Huet de Lkchelle was in 
New York eight months (1797), and during the time of his stay, he 
chartered and constituted this Lodge (Z' Union Francais) and the Chap- 
ter '■''Amis Chaises''' connected with it in April, 1798. As soon as the 
work of the Lodge and Chapter was commenced, the Grand Lodge of the 
State of New York inhibited the same as Spurious and Illegal, and 
forbid all communication with the members, a list of which was published 
with the decree. 

[inhibition.] 

Grand Lodge of the State of New York, j 
the 13th day of Dec, A. L. 5797. \ 

On motion, resolved that Huet Lachelle, his associates, all persons 
working under a warrant granted by him, to form a Lodge in this city by 
the name of Z' Union Francaise^ and the following persons, formerly 
members of Lodge U Unite Americaine, be, and they hereby are, inhib- 
ited from visiting, or otherwise associating with any of the Lodges in this 
city, until further orders are forwarded to the said Lodges, by this Grand 
Lodge on the subject : — 

R. J. Vanderbroeck, J. G. Tardy, 

Anthony Stafford, J. L. Baillargean, 

Cyp. Courbe, A. T. Renanet Jeune, 

Joseph Gilbert, R. C. Verger, 

Lefevre, J. Mugnie, 

Liancours. 

Extract from the minutes. 

John Abrams, Grand Secretary. 

It appears by the records that the members at once took the matter 
into serious consideration, for it was afterward regularly constituted by the 
Grand Lodge, June 26th, 1798 — thus becoming a '"'■legal lodged [It 
would thus be evident that this Lodge from 1793 up to 1798 was with- 
out any legal authority] 

Thus then we have a record of all the Masonry in the ^'' High degrees,^'' 
which was in existence in New York City from 1795 up to 1807 when 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory was founded by Joseph Cerneau — with 
the exception of the Rose Croix Chapter " Trij-yle Amitie,''^ which he 
established after his arrival in 1806 in the '' rite of Perfection^^^ but which 



DOCUMENTS. 389 

embracing a Masters' Lodge, died out from the same cause as the other 
Lodges, viz. : Irregularity. 

For a view of the commencement and progress of these bodies "see 
Plate at the commencement, style ' Grand Lodge of Heredom of Edin- 
hurghr' 

The " 'Rite " practiced in these bodies chartered by Lachelle was 
known under the name of " The rite of Heredovi of Kilwimiing" which 
was entirely a distinct rite from that of " Perfection,''^ and consisted of a 
Lodge of the three degrees of Ancient Mosonry as its basis, and the Rose 
Croix degree, known as the " Chapter.''^ 

Thory states " that the Chapter conferred Four degrees, viz. : first, 
'• Master of Herodim ;^ second, ''Knight of the Tower;'' third, ''Knight 
of the Rose Croix,'' and fourth, 'Knight of the Rose Cioix de H-R-D-M,' 
synonymous with Kcossais or Scotch Master — Knight of the East — 
Knight of Rose Croix — and the fourth and last was identical v.'ith the 
Rose Croix degree of the Chapter of Arras." It was an entire different 
rite from that of Perfection — its summit being the Rose Croix degree, 
and very similar, if not entirely the same with the " Modern French Rite^'' 
(see Plate 3—1786.) It is defined on Plate 2d as the " Grand Chapter 
of the Order of H-D M, at Rouen,'^ 1786, and coming down to 1806, as 
" Provincial Grand Lodge of H-D-M. of France,^'' after which in a few 
years, the order becomes extinct. It will be seen by the accompanying 
history, that this rite was not acknowledged, but was denounced by the 
Grand Orient of France. 

It will be remembered that many references have been made by De 
La Motta in his '■'•Rejoinder to the Sovereign Grand Consistory,''^ to the 
effect that there were residing in the City of New York, many Sublime 
Princes of the Royal Secret at the time when Joseph Cerneau established 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory — 1807 — who were Deputy Inspectors — 
old system — and who constituted a Consistory 80th, 31st and 32d degree. 
He has given the names of these persons, and has declared that Mr. Cer- 
neau should have applied to them for authority — stating at the same time 
that they formed a Consistory in 1806, and he — De La Motta — had 
rigidly inspected and confirmed their proceedings in 1813. The names 
of these persons are John Gabriel Tardy, John B. Desdoity, Moses Levy 
Maduro Peixotto, Challon de Ayrat, Lewis De Saulles and John James 
Joseph Gourgas. 

(See x^ppendix, pages 115 and 116; also pages 157, 158 and 159; 
also page 170, and onward. The Rose Croix Chapters here alluded to 
in Philadelphia, in Baltimore, and in Norfolk, are set forth in this docu- 
ment, having all been chartered by Lachelle.) 



390 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

We repeat, that it has been most clearly proved, that there was not io 
the city of New York, up to the year 1807, any organized body of Ma- 
sons, or any persons of a higher grade in Masonry than the Rose Croix 
degree, known as the 18th in the Rite of Perfection, or the Tth in the 
Modern French Rite ; and the Rite of Heredom of Kilwinning. By re- 
ferring to the names of the signers of the Warrant of the Chapter 
" Choises Amie,''^ we find Challon d'Ayrat, Jean Baptiste Desdoity, John 
G. Tardy. We find that d'Ayrat was President of the Triple Union 
Chapter, and Desdoity and Tardy were officers and members in the same, 
also Louis Bessaules. And all these were members of Lodo'e " La Ten- 

o 

dre Amitie Franco- Americaine^'' also ^'•L' Unite Americaine,''^ and last 
L' Union Fra7icais — all of them recorded as Rose Croix, 1*795. As 
Masons they were spurious, having been inhibited by the Grand Lodge 
in 1797. (See Inhibition.) 

As Rose Croix Masons they were all denounced by the Grand Orient 
of France in common with Mattheus, Lachelle and others — (see accom- 
panying history.) We have shown by the Register of Abraham Jacobs, 
where Mr. Tardy obtained all his degrees above the Rose Croix, and the 
time, viz. : from Pierre Le Barhier Plessis in Philadelphia, October, 
1807. With the exception of Tardy, all the persons mentioned were no 
more than Rose Croix Masons up to that time. Jacobs initiated some of 
them in 1808. Now if these records be true, (and of that there can not 
be a doubt,) how could it be possible that these parties were Sublime 
Princes of the Royal Secret — Deputy Inspectors old system — and consti- 
tuted a Consistory of 30th, 31st and 32d degree in 1806— one year be- 
fore Tardy, or d'Ayrat, or Desdoity, or Peixotto, or Dessaules knew that 
there were any such degrees in the world. 

The name of ^ohn James Joseph Gourgas, does not appear on the 
records of the Lodge or Chapter. He was not a member of, or was he 
connected with, either of these bodies. But on the 19th day of June, 
1806, his name appears on the records of '^ Lodge F Union FrancaisT 
At that date he was initiated by that body, as an Entered Apprentice 
Mason. Here is the certified fact : 

''' F Union Francais Lodge No. 17." 

This may certify that the Records of this Lodge show that John 
James Joseph Gourgas was initiated therein as an Entered Apprentice on 
the 19th day of June, 1806. 

John W. Simons, W. M., and Past Grand 

New York, Master of G. L. S. N. Y. 

April 28th, 1862. C. Bauer, District Deputy Grand Master 



I 



DOCUMENTS. 391 

No record appears after this one to show that he was passed and raised 
to the Third degree. All the proceedings of that Lodge were very irre- 
gular in this particular, up to the time when the Grand Lodge enacted 
a new law upon the subject. Now, the assertion of De La Motta concern- 
ing the Consistory of 1806, falls to the Ground, as Gourgas was only an 
Entered Apprentice in that year. 

We follow these remarks, with some extracts from a letter, written by 
Mr. Gourgas, and read in Supreme Council Thirty-third, at Boston, Mass., 
in September 1851, at its regular session. 

[letter.] 

Mr. Gourgas, in his address to the Supreme Grand Council at Boston, 
in September 1851, states : 

" My association with Subhme Free Masonry, it is well known to you, 
commenced previous to the 5th day of August 1813, the date of the 
establishment of our Supreme Grand Council by the Supreme Grand 
Council (now our sister and confederate,) sitting at Charleston, South 
Carolina, for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. I was 
Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Rose Croix Chapter Herodim, estab- 
lished in New York city in the year 11(97, the oldest lawful establishment 
of this grade in our Northern Jurisdiction. I was also one of the founders, 
and Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Consistory Thirtieth, Thirty- 
first and Thirty-second degrees, from the 6th day of August 1806, until 
in 1813, when it was placed under the superintendence of our Supreme 
Grand Council, where it now remains. Of our Supreme Grand Council, 
I was one of the original founders and its first Grand Secretary. My con- 
stitutional right to the Sovereign Grand Commandership I waived until 
the year 1832, when I assumed the duties of that station ; and from 1832 
until the present time, these duties have been discharged l?y me. 

In 1808, a French refugee named Joseph Cerneau, from St. Domingo, 
formed a spurious body in the city of New York, claiming jurisdiction 
over the Ineffable and Subhme degrees. Renewing his impositions in 
1813, '7i^, and his abettors and follower s^^ were published in ''red letters'' 
as Impostors over the two hemispheres. In I 832, another French intru- 
der, amalgamating with the descendants of this Cerneau, arrogated the 
titles and powers of a ' Supreme Council united for the whole Western 
Hemisphere.' This daring attempt at usurpation was duly denounced 
and exposed in our manifestos, as have also been the slanderous attacks 
since levelled by the friends of those foreign intruders against both our 
Northern and Southern Supreme Councils, and the members of each per- 
sonally. And now, within a few months past, a most reckless attempt to 



392 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

revivify these foreign misdeeds and innovations, has been made by a few 
agitators and conspiratoi's residing in New York city, where, unfortunately, 
the beauty of our beloved institution has been marred, and its operations 
embarrassed by internal commotions, external persecutions, and outbreaks 
of general insubordination, for nearly half a century. These agitators 
have, however, outstripped their examplars in the work of misrepresenta- 
tion. The unlawful estabhshment of Encampments in Rhode Island and 
elsewhere, and other misdeeds, of which their own predecessors and our 
traducers were guilty, they have unblushingly charged upon us ; and 
they have most absurdly accused us of intermeddling with the acknow- 
ledged rights of other jurisdictions. I am a friend of Peace, and a foe to 
strife ; but I am also a friend of Truth and Justice.'''' 

Now, the question arises : — " How could it be possible for Mr. Gourgas 
to be Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Rose Croix Chapter Herodim, 
(Triple Union, or Choises Amis,) established in New York city in the 
year I'ZQY, the oldest lawful establishment of this grade in our Northern 
Jurisdiction, when he was not an Entered Apprentice Mason until nearly 
Ten years afterward, viz., June 1806 ? (See Certificate above.) Either 
the- records of " Lodge E Union Francais " are false, or else the above 
assertion is entirely untrue. The Certificate of Brother Bauer was ob- 
tained in 1851, and that of Most Worshipful Brother Simons in 1862. 
Besides, the Author has examined the records for himself. They are true 
records." 

Again. " / was also one of the founders and Grand Secretary/ of 
the Sovereign Grand Consistory Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty- 
second degrees, from the 6th day of August 1806." 

Now, how could it be possible that Mr. Gourgas, who was only made 
an Entered Apprentice in June, should be possessed of the Thirtieth, 
Thirty-first and Thirty-second degrees in August, scarcely six weeks after 
being made an Entered Apprentice, when the rules of that Lodge, in com- 
mon with all other French Lodges, required a candidate to serve his time 
for seven months before he could be 'p^^^^d, and five months before he 
could be raised. This rule was strict, and was in no case varied from in 
French Lodges up to the year 1840. Furthermore, the name of Mr. 
Gourgas does not appear on the records of that Consistory until March 
1809, at which time the Consistory was first formed and published. (See 
Abraham Jacobs Register page 79, and reply of Sovereign Grand Consis- 
tory to De La Motta, Appendix, Document No. 18). Furthermore, not 
one of the members of that Consi^^tory was eligible until October 1807, 
one year later, and with the exception of one (Tardy,) none of them were 



DOCUMENTS. 393 

eligible until 1808. (See Abraham Jacobs Diary, page 106 aiid 107.) 
Heie it appears that Richard Riker, Sampson, Simson, Mordecai Myers, 
the first three oflBcers of the Consistory, had finished their initiation 
under Jacobs to the Knight of the. Sun, Nov. 3d, 1808. Desdoity, 
Peixotto and Gourgas, were initiated in the same year, and these persons, 
with Tardy, formed the Consistory March 9th, 1809. So the Consistory 
of " 1806," said by both De La Motta and Gourgas to have been formed 
by these persons, falls to the ground. 

Again. " My Constitutional right to the Sovereign Grand Commander- 
ship I waived until the year 1832, when I assumed the duties of that 
station, (fee." 

This is equally strange with the rest. It is well known that the Su- 
preme Council of De La Motta, established in 1813, died out in 1818, 
after which nothing was ever heard of it until 1847, when Gourgas began 
his operations. If there were any denunciations and manifestos from him, 
as he avers in his letter, it is probable that something would have been 
known about them in New York. But the simple truth is, that there 
were never any such manifestos published. And knowing that Mr. 
Riker and other members of that Council made application to the United 
Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere for admission, and laid all 
their documents before that body for inspection, we conclude there was 
no such body in existence at that time. Sampson Simpson was then 
living, and legally succeeded to the office of Grand Commander b}'' the 
Secret Constitutions. Tardy was also living, and was the Superior of 
Gourgas. So that his assum2)tion of the office was a mere sham. He 
was Grand Commander, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, and all the 
other offices in his own person. 

The remaining fabrications concerning Mr. Cerneau in 1808 and 1813, 
the Count St. Laurent in 1832, (fee, need no comment. They have all 
been fully attended to in the body of the history, with documents to cor- 
respond. We would merely mention the fact here, that Joseph Cerneau 
arrived in the city of New York in the early part of the year 1806, estab- 
lished the Sovereign Grand Consistory in October 1807, and the Supreme 
Grand Council in 1812, all of which Mr. Gourgas knew when he penned 
the letter quoted. The publication in " red letters " alludes to the expul- 
sion of Cerneau' by his bosom friend, the Illustrious Emanuel. (See 
Document Nos. 17, 18 and 19). 

The French intruder, whom he takes occasion to mention, was the 
Count St. Laurent, who was one of the original founders of the Supreme 
Council of Terra Firma, Mexico, or New Spain, the Canary Islands, (fee, 



394 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

in 1802, honorary meraber of the Supreme Council of France — subse- 
quently Assistant Sovereign Grand Commander of the United Supreme 
Council for the Western Hemisphere, and Representative for that Council 
in the place of the Marquis de Lafayette near the Supreme Council of France. 
He established the United Supreme Council in 1832. The assertion here 
made by Mr. Gourgas, that St. Laurent was denounced, &c., may be true, 
but if so, no person but himself ever knew it, nor did his denunciation 
amount to anything, as the Masonic world was well acquainted, not only 
with the character of Mr. Gourgas and his Masonic pretensions, but also 
with the exalted position occupied by the Count St. Laurent in the 
Order. 

The whole letter breathes a spirit of animosity, and is filled with mis- 
statements, all of which will most surely give rise to sad reflections in the 
mind of the reader, when he remembers that Mr. Gourgas is a very old 
man. We would refrain from making further remarks, leaving the reader 
to draw his own conclusions. 

The following extract, from the manifesto, published by the " United 
Sup-erne Council for the Western Hemis-pliere^^ at the time of its forma- 
tion in 1832, will fully set forth the opinion which that body entertained 
concerning Mr. Gourgas and his pretensions : 

" In announcing to the Masonic world the event of its formation, the 
United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere deems it but an 
act of justice to itself to avow, that in adopting the measures that have 
led thereto, it has been solely prompted by the desire and conviction, that 
in so doing, it could and would promote the honor, confirm the stability, 
and enlarge the usefulness of Sublime and Exalted Masonry. 

" The pernicious effects resulting from a subdivision of power have been 
long felt, freely acknowledged, and universally deplored. Of these, there 
is none that has been more fi'uitful of mischief, and none that has so much 
contributed to invite the aspersions to which the Order has been recently 
subjected, and under which it has so much suffered, particularly in the 
Northern section of this country, than the f^icility which was thereby 
afforded to recreant members and other impostors to delude and deceive 
the ignorant and unwary — among whom many might be pointed out — 
who, under the semblance of regular authority, disregarding detection, 
because not amenable to corporal punishment, have intruded upon terri- 
torial limits and infringed jurisdictional rights, and there delivered and 
circulated as the pure tenets of Sublime Masonry, the specious offspring 
of their fruitful imagination, or the garbled and imperfect remnants of 
an impaired and treacherous recollection." 



1 



DOCUMENTS. 395 

" To interpose a check, and if it be possible, put an entire stop to these 
evils — to secure to all Scottish Masons their rightful privileges — to encour- 
age, cultivate and cherish union and brotherly love, morality and virtue — 
and by the dissolution of all political and sectional distinctions, the unfail- 
ing fomenters of envy, jealousy and discord, to unite in one firm and in- 
dissoluble phalanx the various bodies within the same territorial limits, 
acknowledging one hereditary origin, are among the primary objects of 
the recent union, and will constitute the governing principle of the United 
Supreme Council. 

" And considering that by this union and amalgamation made of the 
two largest Masonic powers in the New World, unity and stability of the 
Order will be firmly consolidated, and the Sublime and Pure Scottish An- 
cient and Accepted Rite will more securely preserve its independence, the 
tolerance and purity of its Dogma, together with its consistency and dig- 
nity — we have agreed and decreed, &c." 

Now when it is borne in mind that this United Supreme Council was 
truly one of the largest powers in the Masonic world, in this hemisphere, 
embracing all the subordinate bodies in the United States, (always ex- 
cepting the Supreme Council of Charleston, South Carolina,) all the sub- 
ordinate bodies in South America, the islands, &c., and in full treaty of 
Union and Friendship with the Supreme Councils of France, Belgium, 
and Brazil, and through them with all bodies of the rite over the surface 
of the globe — the assertion of Mr. Gourgas " that St. Laurent was a 
French intruder, and that this daring attempt at usurpation was duly de- 
nounced and exposed in his manifestos " becomes ridiculous, and leads 
those who are at all acquainted with the circumstances to believe that he 
was desirous of following in the footsteps of his illustrious predecessor and 
bosom friend. If De La Motta had been living he could not have " done 
it better.^'' 



396 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



I300TT3M:ESP^T ISTo. 41- 



LIST OF OFFICERS 

ACTIVE, AND HONORARY MEMBERS, &c, 

F T H E 

SUPEEME &EAID COUNCIL 

F 

THIRTY-THIRD DEGIREE, 

FOR THE 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THEIR TERRITORIES AND 
DEPENDENCIES. 

The Most Illustrious Brothers 

Edmund B. Hays, M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander. 

Hopkins Thompson, 111. Lieut. Grand Commander. 

Daniel Sickles, " Secretary General of the H. E. 

RoBT. E. Roberts, " Treasurer General of the H. E. 

Benjamin C. Leveridge, " Minister of State and Grand Orator. 

Harry J. Seymour, " Grand Master of Ceremonies. 

Henry C. Banks, " " Marshal. 

John Innes, " " Standard Bearer. 

Wm. H. Jarvis, " " Captain of the Guards. 



HONORARY MEMBERS. 

All the living members of the United Supreme Council — see Doc. 

No. 27. 

M. W. John L. Lewis, P. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of the State of 
New York. 



DOCUMENTS. 397 

M. W. John J. Crane, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State 
of New York. 

R. W. Clinton F. Paige, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand I^odge of 
the State of New York. 

R. W. Robt. D. Holmes, District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand 
Lodge of the State of New York. 

M. W. John S. Darcy, M. D,, P. G. Master of the Grand Lodge of the 
State of New Jersey. 

M. W. Wm. H. Ellis, P. G. Master of the Grand Lodge of Conn. 

Richard S. Spofford, M. D., Deputy Inspector General for the State of 
Massachusetts, 

Seth Driggs, Deputy Inspector General for the Island of Trinidad. 

John Sheville, Deputy Inspector General for the State of New Jersey. 

T. B. Satterthwaite, David Naar, John B. Satterthwaite, James Her- 
ring, Gilbert M. Piatt, Alfred Woodham, Peter W. Neefus, Wra. B. New- 
man, A. G. Levy, James R. Gardner, Royal G. Millard, John A. Lefferts, 
J. B. Ewing, George L. Osborne, John Vanderbeck, Sen., Charles W. At- 
wood, Joseph F. Wells, John C. McArthur, William Filmer, Joseph J. 
Jennings, James C. Bullin, Andrew J. Fisher, John Vanderbeck, Jr., 
Thomas M. Woods, Charles C. J. Beck, Stephen H, Herriman, George 
Tucker, John B. Harris, 0. H. Hart, Elisha H. Purdy, James G. Kent, 
John W. Wood, Gustavus W. Smith, Nehemiah Peck, P. M. Langton, 
John Cameron, Stephen W. Osborn. 



OFFICERS AND MEMBERS 

OF THE 

SOVEREIGN GRAND CONSISTORY. 

TITLE—" JERUSALEM." 

Illustrious Brothers 

Edmund B. Hays, Grand Commander. 

John B. Ewing, 1st Lieut. Grand Commander. 

Andrew J. Fisher, 2d " " " 

Benjamin. C. Leveridge, Minister of State and Grand Orator. 

James G. Kent, 111. Grand Chancellor. 

Robert E. Pioberts, Grand S.". and K. of Seals and Archives, 
Hopkins Thompson, " Treasurer. 

Thomas M. Woods, " Engineer. 

Joseph F. Wells, " Hospitaller. 



398 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Illustrious Brothers 

Harry J. Seymour, Grand Master of Ceremonies. 
Peter W. Neefus, " Captain of the Guards. 

Gilbert M. Platt, " Standard Bearer. 

* * * " Tyler. 



LIST OF ACTIVE MEMBERS. 

All the Honorary Members of the Supreme Grand Council. 

All the Officers of the Supreme Grand Council. 

Hon. Stephen H. Johnson, Grand Senior Warden, Grand Lodge, State 
of New York. 

Zenas C. Priest, R. E. Commander of the Grand Commandery, State 
of New York. 

Pearson F. Munday, Grand Captain General of the Grand Command- 
ery, State of New York. 

Jotham Post, M. D., Geo. F. Woodward, M. D., Charles W. Willetts, 
Henry Ransom, George R. Bond, Samuel A. Rundell, Michael McManus, 
Benjamin F. Nourse, Jacob Shipsey, Reuben Lighthall, Charles Nicholson, 
Wm. Howell, Joseph H. Hough, Wm. Armstrong, Edward L. Holden, 
John G. Fielding, Edward W. Atwood, A. K. P. Welch, Stephen Merritt, 
John Moon, John 0. Raura, James Taylor, Amos Howell, Wm. T. Wood- 
ruff, Robt. Hay, Nathan 0. Benjamin, Edward A. Stuart, Thomas J. Cor- 
son, John P. Nelson, John Woolverton, Wm. R. Clapp, S. R. Tyrrell, 
Jacob W. Moore, George R. Ray, Wm. Shipley, Wm. J. Nicholson, Geo. 
Painter, John E. Emerson, Geo. B. Edward, Wm. E. Stagg. 



The Sovereign Grand Consistory has under its charge two Sovereign 
Chapters of Knights of Rose Croix, viz. : " Jerusalem " and " Lafayette," 
the former numbering thirty-two members and the latter twenty-nine — 
both in a very prosperous condition. 



One Council of Princes of Jerusalem, numbering about eighty mem- 
bers. 



Five Sublime Lodges of Perfection, viz. : three in New York City, one 
in the City of Brooklyn, and one in Binghampton, N. Y. 



Grand Consistories are constituted in the following States, which are 
the governing bodies in said States and take charge of the same, viz. : 
Massachusetts, New Jersey. 



DOCUMENTS. 399 

This great increase of numbers and interest has occurred since the 
commencement of the year 1860. It bids fair to extend rapidly as the 
governing principles of the Supreme Council become known. 



XJOOXT3MCES3MT7 ISTo. 43. 



EXP UL SION 



OF 



CHARLES W. MOORE, AND K. H. VAN RENSSELAER. 



Universi Ten-arum Orhis Architectonis Per Gloriam Ingentis. 

Bznn ^t\xm(iut Sus, 

From the Grand East of the Supreme Grand Council of Sovereign 
Grand Inspect(ft's General of the Thirty-third and last degree of the 
Ancient and Accepted Rite, for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United 
States of America, under the C. C. of the Z., near the B. B., which 
answers to 42 deg. 21 min. 22 seconds N. L. 

To all sister Supreme Grand Councils throughout the Universe : To 
all Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third degree : To 
all Illustrious Most Valiant and Sublime Princes of the R. S. Knights of 
K. H. : Knights of R. C. Princes of Jerusalem : Princes and Knights, 
Grand, Ineffable, and Sublime, Free and Accepted Masons, of all degrees, 
ancient and modern, over the surface of the two Hemispheres : To all to 
whom these letters shall come : Greeting : 

Whereas, for more than a year, a spirit of insubordination has existed 
in this Jurisdiction, resulting in open rebellion against the authority of 
this Supreme Grand Council, and in the organization of a Spurious and 
Clandestine Body, which has assumed the name and attempted to exer- 
cise the powers and functions of this Supreme Grand Council : and 

Whereas, one of the members, and sundry Sovereign Grand Inspectors 
General not members, of this Supreme Grand Council, were the most 
prominent actors in said disorderly and rebellious proceedings : and 

Whereas, the forbearance hitherto exercised towards the offenders, has 



400 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

not induced them to abandon their evil designs and practices, and severe 
discipHne has become imperatively necessary : 

Now^ therefore. Know Ye, That this Supreme Grand Council, defer- 
ring final action at this time in regard to others, has selected two of the 
principle offenders, namely. 

Illustrious Chas. W. Moore, of Boston, formerly Grand Secretary 
General H. E., and 

Illustrious KiLLiAN H. Van Rensselear, of Cambridge, Ohio, formerly 
Deputy for Ohio ; and after due trial, has unanimously expelled the said 

Chas. W. Moore and Killian H. Van Rensselaer, 
from all the rights and privileges of the A .*. and A .*. Rite, for such gross 
unmasonic conduct. 

And all Sister Supreme Grand Councils are requested, and all Masons 
and Masonic Bodies owing allegiance to this Supreme Grand Council, 
are strictly enjoined, to hold no intercourse or communication, in the A.*. 
and A .'. Rite, with either of said expelled persons, or with the said Spu- 
rious and Clandestine Body, which they have assisted to establish. 

Given at the Grand East of Boston, this Twenty-second day of January, 
A. D. 1862, and certified under our hands and the Seal of the Supreme 
Grand Council, 

Edw. a. Raymond, 33 d, M. P. So v. Gr. Com., ad%itam, 
Lucius, R. Paige, 33d, G. Sec. Gen. H. E, 
Wm. Field, 33d, Gr. Capt. L. G, 
Peter Lawson, G. Treas. Gen. H. E, 
Geo, M. Randall, 33d, G. Min. of State, 



Seal of the 

Supreme Council 

North'n Jurisdiction. 



S. W, Robinson, 33d, P. Lieut. Grand Commander. 



DOCUMENTS. 401 



I^OOXTll^ESr^T? r^o>. 4:S. 



§xm\)i ^ast Bnpmt §xm\ii Coiradl 

THIRTY-THIRD DEGREE, N. J. U. S. A. 
Ordo ab Chao. 

HEALTH, STABILITY, TC^BI^. 

To all Sister Supreme Grand Councils throughout the Universe : To all 
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the 33d degree : To all Illus- 
trious, Most Valiant and Sublime Princes of the R. S., Knights of K. H. 
■ Iliustrious Princes and Knights, Grand, Ineffable and Sublime Free and 
Accepted Masons of all degrees, Ancient and Modern, over the surface 
of the two hemispheres. 

2Co all to fcDljom tf)esc Setters sjall come: 

Whereas, A spirit of insubordination has been aroused and encouraged 
in this Jurisdiction for more than a year past, by Edward A. Raymond, 
formerly M. P. Grand Commander, and Simon W. Robinson, formerly 
Grand Treasurer General of this Supreme Council, and that, whereas, the 
said Raymond and Robinson have assumed to confer the 33d degree upon 
Peter Lawson, Wm. Field, Charles S. Westcott, John A. Foster and 
George M. Randall, and with their assistance organized a spurious and 
clandestine body, which has assumed the name, and attempted to exer- 
cise the powers and functions of this Supreme Grand Council ; And, 
whereas, the said Raymond has assumed the position of Sovereign Grand 
Commander, and claimed to act as such, since he was deposed from that 
office ; and, whereas, both E. A. Raymond and Simon W. Robinson have 
violated their- engagements as Sovereign* Grand Inspectors General 33d 
degree, by refusing obedience to the edicts of this Supreme Grand Coun- 
cil, and setting its authority at defiance, 

jVow, therefore, know ye, That this Supreme Grand Council, havino- 
duly cited Edioard A. Raymond and Simon W. Rohinson to appear at 
its annual meeting, on the 21st May inst, to answer to the charges pre- 



402 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

ferred against them, has, after due trial, and by unanimous vote, expelled 
the said Edward A. Raymond and Simon W. Robinson, from all the 
rights and privileges of the A. and A. Rite, for such gross and unmasonic 
conduct. 

And all Sister Supreme Grand Councils, are requested, and all Masons 
and Masonic Bodies owing allegiance to this Supreme Grand Council, are 
required to hold no intercourse or communication in the A. and A. Rite, 
with either of said expelled persons, or with the said spurious and clandes- 
tine bodies which they have assisted to establish, or may hereafter organize. 

Lucius R. Paige is not known or recognized as a S. P. R. S. or 
S. G. I. G., by this Supreme Council. Papers and documents bearing 
his signature, with a seal purporting to be the seal of this Supreme Grand 
Council, N. J., U. S. A., were not issued by its authority, and are spurious. 

Given at the Grand East, Boston, Mass., this 22d day of May, 1862, 
with the Seal of our Supreme Grand Council attached. 
Killian H. Van Rensselaer, 33d, 

M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander. 



\ Supreme Council (• 

•j Northern Jurisdiction. [• 

WiNSLOw Lewis, M. D., 
R, C. K. H.., S. P. R. S., 
Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen.^ 33c?, Gr. Sec. Gen. R. E. 
Albert Case, 

R. C. K. H., S. P. R. S.. 
Sov. Gr, Ins. Gen., 33cZ, Asst. Gr. Sec. Gen. H. E. 



SOVEREIGN GRAND CONSISTORY 

THIRTY-SECOND DEOKEE, 

ATTACHED TO THE SUP. GR. COUNCIL 33d DEG., 

N. J., U. S. A. 

In Sovereign Grand Consistory, Annual Session, at the Grand East of 
the Order, Boston, May 22d, 1862, Wm. Field, Peter Lawson, Charles 
S. Westcott, John A. Foster and George M. Randall, S. P. R. S., 
and previous to the decision herein made known, members of the Sove- 



DOCUMENTS, 403 

reign Consistory, were severally charged with having rebelled against the 
Constitutions and authority of the Sovereign Grand Consistory and of the 
Supreme Grand Council to which it is attached; in that they have aided 
and abetted in the organization and working of a spurious and clandes- 
tine body, or bodies, which have assumed the name and powers of the 
Supreme Grand Council 33d degree, N. J., and of this Sovereign Grand 
Consistory. 

That they have assumed to be Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of 
the 33d degree, without having been legally elevated to that grade ; that 
they have aided in attempts to confer degrees, and transact business in a 
clandestine assembly, to the great scandal of the Order, and in defiance of 
the authority of this Sovereign Grand Consistory, and of the Constitution 
and Laws of the Supreme Grand Council ; and after due trial, the said 
Wm, Field, Peter Lawson, Charles S. Westcott, John A. Foster 
and George M. Randall, were, by the unanimous vote of this Sovereign 
Grand Consistory adjudged guilty, and were expelled from this Sovereign 
Consistory, and from all the rights and privileges of the A. and A. Rite, 
for gross unmasonic conduct. 

And Consistories, or other bodies and members of the A. and A. Rite, 
are hereby enjoined to hold no intercourse or communication in the afore- 
said Rite, with either of said expelled persons. 

WiNSLow Lewis, M, D., 
Gr. Keep of the Seals and Archives, 
Sov. Gr. Consistory^ 32c?. . 
Albert Case, 

AssH Gr. Keeper of the Seals and Archives^ 
Sov. Gr. Coyisistory, 32c?. 



In Supreme Grand Council, Sovereign Grand Inspectors General 33d de- 
gree, N. J., U. S. A., Annual Session, May 23d, 1862. 

The foregoing proceedings of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, in try- 
ing and expelling Wm. Field, Peter Lawson, Charles S. Westcott, 
John A. Foster and George M. Randall, were read, duly considered, 
and unanimously approved and confirmed. 

All Sister Supreme Councils are requested to make known the same to 
their Consistories, and other subordinates ; and subordinate bodies under 
this Jurisdiction, and all Masons owing allegiance to this Supreme Grand 
Council, are required to hold no intercourse or communication in the A. 
and A. Rite, with either of the above named expehed persons. 



404 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Given at the Grand East, City of Boston, this 23d day of May, 1862, 
with the Seal of our Suprenie Grand Council affixed. 
K. H. Van Rensselaer, 33d, 
M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander. 



•j Supreme Council (■ 

•j Northern Jurisdiction. S 

WiNSLow Lewis, M. D., 
B. a K. H., S. P. R. S., 
Sov. Gr. Ins. Gen., 33d, Gr. Sec. Gen. If. E. 
Albert Case, 
B. C. K. H., S. P. B. S., 
Sov, Gr. Ins. Gen., 33c?, AssH Gr. Sec. Gen. H. E. 



x>oc:5XJiM:Ei^a"T? 3xro» -^4=. 



EXTRACT FROM PROCEEDINGS, 1862. 



OFFICEBS AND ACTIYE MEMBERS. 

OF THE supreme GRAND COUNCIL FOR THE NORTHERN JURISDICTION 
OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Major Killian H. Van Rensselaer, Cambridge, Ohio, M. P. Sov. Gr. 
Commander. 

Hon. Josiah H. Drummond, Portland, Maine, Ex Speaker House of 
Rep., Gr. M. Gr. Lodge, and Attorney Gen. Puissant Lt. Gr. Cora. 

Winslow Lewis, M. D., Boston, P. G. M. of the M. W. Gr. Lodge of 
Mass., 111. Gr. Sec. Gen., H. E. 

Rev. Albert Case, Boston, Mass., Asst. Gr. Sec. Gen., H. E. 

Wm. Parkman, Esq., Boston, Mass., III. Gr. Treas. Gen., H. E. 

C. R. Starkweather, Esq., Chicago, 111. Gr. Minister of State, 

John Christie P. G. M., Navy Officer, Portsmouth, N. H., III. Gr. 
Master of Ceremonies. 

Hon. Benj. Dean, Senator, Boston, Mass., 111. Gr. Capt. of the Guard. 

Hon. Judge Archibald Bull, New York city, Gr. Marshall. 



DOCUMENTS. 405 

Charles W. Moore, Esq., Boston, Mass., Gr. Sec. Grand Lodge, and 
Editor Free-Mason's Magazine, 111. Gr. Standard Bearer. 

Wm. S. Gardner, Attorney-at-Law, Lowell, Mass. 

Gen. A. B. Thompson, Brunswick, Maine. 

Hon. Wm. P. Preble, Dept. Gr. Master Gr. Lodge, Clerk of Courts, . 
Portland, Maine. 

Ammi B. Young, Esq., Chief Architect, Washington city, D. C. 

K H. Gould, Esq., Newport, Rhode Island. 

A. E. Blocker, M. D., Surgeon in the Army, Philadelphia, Penn. 

Hon. Wm. B. Hubbard, Columbus, Ohio. 

Rev. D. B. Tracy, D. D., Chaplain 1st Regt. Michigan Engineers and 
Mechanics, Petersburgh, Michigan. 

HONORARY MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL. 

Edward P. Burnham, Attorney-at-Law, Saco, Maine. 
Nathaniel B. Shurtleflf, M. D., Boston, Mass. 
Hon. Newell, A. Thompson, Boston, Mass. 
C. A. Davis, M. D., Surgeon in the Army, Chelsea, Mass. 
John McClellan, Esq., Gr. Tr. Gr. Lodge Mass., Boston, Mass. 
Major Gen. the Hon. Wm. Sutton, Salem, Mass. i| 

Joel Spalding, M. D., Lowell, Mass. 
Hon. Charles Doe, Judge Supreme Court, Dover, N. H. 
Prof Francois Turner, New Haven, Connecticut. 
Joseph D. Evans, Esq., P. G. M., New York c»ty, N. Y. ' 
J. J. J. Gourgas, Past M. P. S. Gr. Com., New York city, N. Y. 
Andres Cassard, Esq., President Cuban Institute, New Hamburgh, New 
York. 

Fitz Gerald Tisdall, Esq., Editor N. Y. Saturday Courier, New York. 

E. T. Carson, Esq., U. S. Surveyor, Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Hon. Heman Ely, Elyria, Ohio. 

Theodore Ross, Esq., Cleveland, Ohio. 

H. A. Johnson, M. D., State Medical Director, Chicago, 111. 

Geo. W. Deering, Esq., " " 

Robert H. Foss, Esq., ** " 

STATE DEPUTIES. 

Geo. A. B. Thompson, of Maine. 

John Christie, P. G. M., of New Hampshire. 

Wra. S. Gardner, P. G. Marshall, of Mass. 

N. H. Gould, of Rhode Island. 

A. E. Stocker, of Pennsylvania. 

E. T. Carson, of Ohio. 



406 SCOTTISH EITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

C. R. Starkweather, of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. 
Rev. D. B. Tracy, D. D., of Michigan. 

REPRESENTATIVES NEAR THIS SUPREME GRAND COUNCIL. 

111. and Rev, Albert Case, of Boston, Representative of the Supreme 
Council of Ireland. 

111. Charles R. Starkweather, Chicago, Representative of the Supreme 
Council of Mexico. 

111. Andres Cassard, New Hambugh, N. Y., Representative of the Su- 
preme Councils of Venezuela and New Grenada. 

The 111. and Hon. Esteban Zenteno, has been commissioned Represen- 
tative of this Supreme Council, near the Supreme Grand Council of the 
Mexican Republic. 

SOYEREIGN GRAND CONSISTORY, 32d. 

OFFICERS AND REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE CURRENT MASONIC YEAR. 

Gen. A. B. Thompson, Brunswick, Maine, President, Gr. Commander. 

Joseph D. Evans, P. G. Master M. W. Gr. Lodge, New York, Isfc 
Lieut. Grand Commander. 

Peter Thacher, Jr., U. S. Volunteers, Cleveland, Ohio, 2d Lieut. Gr. 
Commander. 

N. H. Gould, Esq., New Port, Rhode Island, Gr. Minister of State, 

Hon. Newall A. Thompson, Boston, Mass., Gr. Chancellor. 

J. D. Dennis, Esq., Newport, R. I. Grand Master of Ceremonies. 

W. S. Gardner, Attorney-at-Law, Lowell, Mass., Gr. Expert Introducer. 

Edward P. Burnham, Attorney-at-Law, Saco, Maine, Gr. Capt. of the 
Guards. 

F. G. Tisdall, Esq., Editor New York Saturday Courier, New York, 
Gr. Hospitaller. 

Wm. Parkman, Esq., Boston, ex-officio^ Gr. Treasurer. 

Winslow Lewis, M. D., " " " Keeper of the Seals and 

Archives. 

Rev. Albert Case, " " Ass't " " " and 

Archives. 

Eben F. Gay, Boston, 111. Gr. Steward and Sentinel. 

REPRESENTATIVES ASIDE FROM THE OFFICERS. 

Hon. Wra. P. Preble, D. Gr. Master, Gr. Lodge, and Clerk of Courts, 
Portland, Maine. , 

Hon. Josiah H. Drummond, Gr. Master Gr. Lodge, Attorney General, 
(fee, Portland, Maine. 



^ 



^ 



DOCUMENTS. 407 

N. B. Shurtleff, M. D., Boston, Mass. 

John McClellan, Esq., Gr. Treas. Gr. Lodge, Mass., Boston, Mass. 

F. C. Raymond, Esq., " 

Charles W. Moore, Esq., Editor Free Mason's Monthly Magazine, 
Boston, Mass. 

Hon. Benj. Dean, Boston, Mass. 

Major Gen. Wm. Sutton, Salem, Mass. 

Ruel W. Lawson, M. D., Boston, Mass. 

Joel Spalding, M. D., Lowell, Mass. 

J. Tyler Spalding, 

C. C. Hutchinson, " " 

W. F. Salmon, 

Charles A. Davis, M. D., (Surgeon in the army,) Chelsea, Mass. 

John Christie, (P. G. M.,) Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 

Hon. Charles Doe, Judge Supreme Court, ,Dover, New Hampshire. 

Rev. C. H. Titus, Newport, Rhode Island. 

Russell A. Dennison, Providence, Rhode Island. 

K. H. Van Rensselaer, (proxy,) Pennsylvania. 

Theodore Ross, Esq., Cleveland, Ohio. 

K. H. Van Rensselaer, Cambridge, Ohio. 

Rev. D. B. Tracy, D. D., Chaplain 1st Regiment Michigan Engineers 
and Mechanics, Petersburgh, Michigan. 

C. E. Starkweather, Esq., Chicago, Illinois. 

Theodore Ross, Esq., " " 

The following were created Sublime Princes R. S. 32d, in the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory attached to the Supreme Grand Council, and rank as 
such, viz. : 

Rev. Thomas R. Lambert, Charleston, Mass. 

Rev. Dr. Junius M, Willey, Waterbury, Connecticut. 

Francis Amy, Esq., Stonington, " 

Wm. C. Martin, Boston, Mass. 

Gardner Green leaf, " " 

Clement A. Walker, M. D., Boston, Mass. 

Charles Robbins, Esq., " " 

A. A. Dame, Esq., ** " 

Charles E. Caneday, Esq., " " 

Albert H. Kelsey, Esq., 

J. B. Pattee, Esq., West Cambridge, " 



408 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



iDoc^TJiMiEsr^"!" ]>a"o. -is- 



The subjoined communication, taken from the New York Dispatch^ 
is from a Brother of acknowledged ability and tried experience. It is a 
fair specimen of the many expressions of opinion that have been received 
within a short time. ' Its careful and patient perusal is recommended to 
every true lover of Ancient Masonry. There is one error in it which 
should be corrected, viz., the stated price for the degrees ($125). This 
amount is too large by one- third — perhaps one-half; but aside from this 
unimportant error, the whole communication is worthy of reception by 
every Brother, into whose hands it may be placed : 

Springside, Westchester Co. N. Y., | 
August 4th, 1861. j 
To the Masonic Editor of the Neiv York Dispatch : 

I have observed the several articles in the Dispatch recently, which 
have been elucidating the question as to whether Frederick the Great, or 
some other Frederick, was, or was not, the founder of certain imitations of 
Free Masonry, yclept " The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite," and 
whether the aforesaid Frederick signed the " Constitutions " by which the 
"Rite" is governed. On the one hand, the articles signed "Justice," 
claim Frederick as the patron saint and founder of the " Rite and Con- 
stitutions," while, on the other hand, you urge that such is not the fact, 
and adduce, as proof of your position, an array of evidence at once appal- 
ling and overwhelming, which is certainly creditable as evidencing, an 
amount of Masonic lore and research seldom met with. 

Is it not to be regretted that so much talent should be expended upon 
these higher degrees, when the large field of ancient craft Masonry re- 
mains but partially explored ? Of what benefit is it to Masonry, whether 
Frederick or some other person invented the series of tableaux called the 
Ineffable degrees ? The whole duty of man is summed up in the first 
three degrees of Masonry — " Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love." 
Our duty to our " Maker, our neighbor and ourselves," would seem to 
embrace the sense of all human perfection, all these and much more are 
inculcated in ancient craft Masonry ; its language is terse and unmistakable, 
its ceremonies solemn and impressive, its symbolism forcible and illustra- 



DOCUMENTS. 409 

tive, its history embraces the history of the world, it cherishes a love of 
law aud order and obedience to the existing government, it prohibits 
poUtics and sectarianism in religion to enter its sacred precincts, and 
hence it is the only Masonry which can he universal. What, then, is 
there left to desire which cannot be found by a Master Mason ? Do the 
" ineffable " degrees discover the divine essence which its name would 
seem to imply ? It is claimed that the higher degrees explain the lower, 
and impart the " true light " to those who are only Master Masons, and 
instruct them in those things omitted in degrees previously taken. On this 
progressive basis, the aspiring seeker after Masonic knowledge would re- 
quire a lifetime of degrees in order to explain the heterogeneous mass of 
inexphcable inventions, improvements (?) and contradictions contained in 
the " Ancient and Accepted and other Rites." 

The evil effects of these " higher degrees " are apparent to every intel- 
ligent Mason. Masonic charities are stinted. The cost of fitting up a 
proper room is enormous, and diverts funds from charity's channels, some 
portion of which would find its way through their Lodges to the widow 
and orphan. The fees for the degrees in some such bodies in this city 
amount to one hundred and twenty-five dollars, also involving the pay- 
ment of dues in the several bodies in which the Thirty-three degrees of 
the " Ancient and Accepted Rite " are subdivided ; and thus involving 
many Masons in an expense they did not anticipate, and in justice to their 
families could not afford, frequently causing them to neglect their Lodges, 
and in many instances to alienate themselves from the fraternity altogeth- 
er ; while on the other hand, if there was any real merit in the degrees, 
very many Masons would be deprived of the benefits in consequence of 
the cost. 

The laj'ge amounts thus annually expended, if donated to the Hall and 
Asylum Fund, or to the Board of Relief, would soon enable the Grand 
Lodge to erect a " Home for all," or satisfy the hunger of the Mason's 
■widow and orphan, who are constantly, with anxious hearts and emaciated 
faces, cringing about the doors of the Board of Relief, picking up its scanty 
crumbs. 

The profligate expenditure of money in connection with this and other 
" Rites " is not the greatest loss the Masonic fraternitj^ sustains. The 
leaders are generally Masons of education, position and talent, many 'of 
whom have occupied high official positions in the Grand Lodge. What 
a pity it is that so much talent should be diverted from legitimate Mason- 
ry. They eschew offices in subordinate Lodges as being beneath their 
difjnity, and hence the Grand Lodge is deprived of representatives well 



410 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

calculated to further the interests of the craft. I have been informed by 
members of these associations of " higher degrees," that the " Ancient 
and Accepted Rite" was the only Masonry worth belonging to, and 
measured their advancement in Masonry by the number of degrees they 
had taken, looking down with no little contempt upon those who were 
only Master Masons. 

The effect upon the newly-made Master Mason, on hearing that he has 
only taken three degrees, and that in order to be a high Mason, it is 
necessary to take about thi7^ty, and after the thirty, ninety more, is oft- 
tigaes discouraging, but frequently stimulates him to " go higher," where 
he is greeted with a " new order of things," with flambeaux of Masonic 
light truly astounding ; the effect is magical, and the brother whom you 
made a Master Mason in your own Lodge three months since, and whose 
absence therefrom was a source of wonderment to you, informs you that 
he is a " high " Mason, an " ineffable " Mason, and has taken thirty-two 
degrees in the " Ancient and Accepted Rite," and ninety degrees in the 
" Rite of Memphis " or " Egyptian Rite," or some other plagiarism on 
Masonry. One hundred and twenty- five, or more dollars, one hundred 
and twenty-two " degrees," and a newly-fledged Master Mason have 
gently simmered together, producing a Mason of high grade^ before whom 
abashed you retire, musing as to the probability of your ever being able 
to occupy a position in the fraternity so exalted. 

I contend, Mr. Editor, that the degree of Master Mason is the summit 
of all Masonry as far as degrees are conceited, and that the truths and 
maxims taught and inculcated in the E. A., F. C. and M. M. degrees, cir- 
cumscribe the whole duty of man, and that all other degrees claiming to 
be Masonic, not only do not improve upon the first three and only de- 
grees, but are only fragmentary plagiarisms, modern movements, innova- 
tions, and detrimental to the advancement of the welfare of mankind, by 
crippling the diffusion of the true light. 

Notwithstanding, the "Chapter" has some claims to ties of consan- 
guinity with the first three degrees, still it is only a comparatively modern 
modification of the latter. Embellishing the M. M. and calling it R. A., 
does not improve the original, stealing bodily the F. C. and name it 
" Mark," with a few patentable improvements, does not enhance its value. 
The P. M., which is a simple inauguration ceremony, developes no new 
truths, and should not be put in possession of any person other than a 
presiding W. M. of a Lodge. The M. E. is claimed by so many " Rites," 
that it is difficult to locate it. That is, however, unnecessary, and as far as 
being of any benefit to Masonry, meaningless. 



DOCUMENTS. 411 

The several bodies claiming to be Masonic, are all striving for some 
kind of supremacy, each has its Grand, or executive body, the officers of 
which, in many instances, belong to all the Grand bodies, a diversity of 
interests is but natural, a recognition is asked by some one of the " Rites " 
of another, some are recognized and some are not, a strife begins, and 
some of the Fraternity are in a constant turmoil concerning their legiti- 
macy and the right of jurisdiction over their particular rites. The Grand 
Lodge is sometimes drawn into the whirlpool, and I have no hesitancy in 
saying that the schisms in the Grand Lodge, for many years, although 
apparently originating in that body, can be with certainty traced to a di- 
versity of interests and opinions, caused by the so-called " higher degrees." 

The opinions here expressed are not only the result of some considerable 
Masonic observation and experience, but have been endorsed by Grand 
Officers and distinguished Members of the Grand Lodge of the State of 
New York, and other States, also by officers and members of all the 
bodies herein referred to, and I am so convinced of their truth, that I have 
now no higher ambition than that of being a Master Mason. 



TzyocTHk/LEiisirc r^o. 4=®. 



Intended as a Note to Page 200, and 320, — year 1828. 

As some exceptions have been taken to an expression made by the 
Author at page 200, ccncerning the Lodges having '■^ceased working'''' 
during the early part of the Anti-Masonic excitement, it is thought pro- 
per to correct here what might be considered an error. If no further re- 
mark had been made than that which is found at the above page the 
exception would be just, but a reference to the " Epitome,^'' page 320, — 
year 1828, would have convinced the reader that the expression was a 
general one, and would in some respects have explained its meaning, 
although not fully. 

By the expression '■'■ceased working^'' the idea was intended to have 
been conveyed that the lodges, as a general thing, had ceased from hold- 
ing their regular semi-monthly communications, and met together only as 
circumstances required and would permit. 

It was by no means the Author's intention to do injustice to any of the 



412 SCOTTISH KITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

Lodges which retained tlieir charters and strove manfully to breast the 
storm which swept over the land in those dark days, but simply to de- 
scribe the general effects which that memorable crusade had upon the 
Order. That there were a few lodges that continued to work as well as 
they could^ there is no doubt ; and that there were many brethren who 
were not daunted by opposition^ but continued as devotedly attached to 
the principles of Masonry as they had ever been in the brightest days of 
the prosperity of the Order, can be satisfactorily proved, not only by the 
records, but by living witnesses at the present day. 

The following statement, made by R. W. Bro. James Herring, who 
was Grand Secretary at ihe time alluded to, will be satisfactory to the 
reader. 

" In the year 1827 the number of Lodges registered by the Grand Lodge, 
was over Five hundred. About Four hundred and thirty of these lodges 
surrendered their charters and properties to the Grand Lodge — Seventy-two 
Lodges retained, or held on to their charters and refused to surrender 
them. About twenty-four of this number were in New York City — two 
in Brooklyn— the rest were scattered through the eastern section of the 
State — as one at Hudson — some at Albany, Troy, and other places." 

The bare retention of the charter gave to the lodge an " existence,^'' but 
by the Constitution it is required that annual returns be made and dues 
be paid to the Grand Lodge, which makes the lodge " regular and at 
workr A large proportion of these seventy-two lodges did not com- 
ply with this rule. On the contrary, there were some of the Masters 
who retained and held on to the warrants because they had become 
" unfriendly to Masonry ^ They stated that if they surrendered the 
warrant the lodge could, at some future time, be revived, and therefore 
they retained it that the lodge might go out of " existence^ These were 
counted among the number as being in " existence^ Other parties held 
on because they hoped at some future time to be able to go forward with 
the work. They of course made no returns, nor did they pay any dues, 
but they were in existence, and when the work revived again they were 
re-instated. Other parties held on to their warrants, had an annual 
meeting at which they elected their officers, made returns, paid their dues 
to the Grand Lodge (which were very small in amount), and thus kept 
up their regularity, but they had no work to do for several years. Other 
parties (and most of these were in the city) held the warrant, had occa- 
sional meetings, although few and far between, performed Masonic work 
when they could get it to do, and managed to keep out of debt. It may 
however be said with truth, that from the year 1827 to 1834 but very 



DOCUMENTS. 413 

• 
little work was done in any of the Lodges except the two mentioned in 
the history — the one French — the other German, These two lodges held 
their regular semi-monthly meetings — performed their work steadily, in- 
itiated quite as many members as at any other time, Celebrated the festi- 
vals, and kept right along without regarding the Anti-Masonic excitement 
in any way. This success is attributed to the fact that their work was 
done in a foreign language, and among a foreign population. 

Trinity Lodge, No. 12, had become a German Lodge and kept up its 
organization until 1835, when it began to build up rapidly. 

Adelphi Lodge, No. 23, became mostly a lodge of Israelites after 1827, 
and by 1835 had become a considerable body — principally Germans. 

Phoenix Lodge, No. 40, kept up as long as it could but finally yielded 
to the storm. 

Clinton Lodge, No. 143, kept up its organization until 1833, at which 
period it was deemed best to unite and become consohdated with St. 
John's Lodge, No. 1. This was effected during that year. 

Mariners', No. 67, and Naval, No. 69, both kept up their organization, 
their work being mostly among sea-faring men and transient persons. 

St. John's Lodge, No. 1, also continued to perform Masonic work. The 
amount of work performed by this Lodge during nine years, viz. : from 
1827 to 1835, was as follows— Initiations in 1827, five; 1828, one; 
1829, five; 1830, six; 1831, one; 1832, two; 1833, two; 1834, four; 
1835, four; — in all, thirty initiations. 

Besides these lodges, mention should be made of Montgomery, Mount 
Moriah, Abrams, Washington, Howard, Albion, Manhattan, Holland, 
Ind. Royal Arch, Benevolent, John Hancock, and others, who all had occa- 
sional meetings, and performed Masonic work whenever it presented itself; 
but from 1827 up to 1834 there was a very small amount of work to be 
obtained — scarcely sufficient to pay the small current expenses of the 
Lodge. 

The reader therefore will understand the Author's meaning when he 
states, that every Lodge but two in the City of New York had " ceased, 
yjorhing^ <^cy He would not be understood to say, that there were no 
Masonic meetino;s of Masonic bodies but the two before mentioned, in the 
city, or that no Masonic work was done during that period. He would 
convey the idea that there v/ere two Lodges during these dark days of Ma- 
sonry that were able to go forward uninterruptedly, apparently the same 
as though no storm was raging around them. Other Lodges, equally as 
strong in numbers and equally as determined, were obliged to succumb 
for the time being. They ceased their regular work because they could 



414 



SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



not get it to do. They worked whenever they could find work. And 
out of the whole number (twenty-six Lodges) there were only five or six, 
besides the two before mentioned, which could manage by extraordinary 
exertions, to keep their bodies together and perform Masonic work. 

Subjoined is a list of most of the Lodges in the city which retained 
their warrants : — 



St. John's Lodge, 


No. 1 


Phoenix Lodge, 


No. — 


Ind. Royal Arch, 


" 2 


Howard, 


" 35 


Holland, 


" 8 


Concord, 


" 50 


Trinity, 


" 12 


German Union, 


« 54 


L' Union Francais, 


« 17 


Manhattan, 


" 62 


Fortitude, 


'' 19 


Lafayette, 


" 64 


Abrams, 


" 20 


Mariners', 


« 67 


Washington, 


" 21 


Montgomery, 


" 68 


Adelphi, 


" 23 


Naval 


« 69 


Albion, 


" 26 


John Hancock, 


« 70 


Mount Moriah, 


" 27 


York, 


« 197 


Benevolent, 


" 28 


Silentia, 


« 198 


Mechanic, 


" 30 


Clinton, 


" 143 


Hohenhnden, 


No. 56 





330CTJI^E33?Q-T TSIO. ^T. 



Appointment and Exchange of Representatives, between the " Grand 
Orient of France" and the "Supreme Council, U. S. A., their 
Territories and Dependencies." 



Copy f Grand Orient de France, 

No. 11,206, <j Supreme Council for I'rance and its possessions. 

Of Correspondence, t Orient of Paris, September 3d, 1862, V. E. 



SEAL. 



DOCUMENTS. 415 

Office of the Grand Master, ^ To the 111 .*. and Most dear Bio .*. 

Address of the Grand Orient, fH. J. Seymour, Sov/. Gr.*. In.*. Gen.*. 

Rue Cadet 16 — Paris. J Grand Master of Ceremonies of the 

Sup .'. Council of the United States, 
33d deg.'. Anc*. and Ace*. Scot- 
tish rite — sitting in the valley of New 
York. 
III.'. Brother: 

We have the favor to answer the communication which you have ad- 
dressed to us, with the view of establishing fraternal relations between the 
Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General 33d degree, U. 
S. A., sitting in the valley of New York, and the Grand Orient of France, 
Supreme Council of France and the French possessions, sitting at Paris. 

It is with the greatest satisfaction, Illustrious and Most dear Brother, 
that we would see strict bonds established between these two Masonic 
powers, by the nomination of mutual guaranties of friendship. 

We accept, after the examination of powers which you have shown us, 
to this effect, of being the Representative of the Supreme Council, U. S. 
A., to the Grand Orient of France, and we propose as Representative of 
the Grand Orient of France to the said Supreme Council the 111. Bro. 
John J. Crane, M. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of 
New York. 

These provisional designations accepted by us in the beginning, shall be 
subject to the ratification of the Supreme Council, U. S. A. They shall 
become definitive when the agreement of that power shall have reached us, 
and they shall then be oflficially notified to whom it may concern. 

We trust with confidence. 111. and most dear brother, to your care and 
diligence for the prompt realization of these projects, which cannot fail to 
add to the glory and prosperity of the Order in general. 

Accept, 111. and dear brother, the assurance of our high and affectionate 

consideration, , le Grand Master adjoint of the Masonic Order in 

France. 

Heullant. 

Examined and Approved by us — the Marshal of France. 

Grand Master of the Masonic Order in France, 
(A true Copy.) Magnan. 



416 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 

T.-. T.-. G.-. 0.\ T.-. G.-. A.-. O.-. T/. U.-. 

JDeus Jftewmque Jus, 

By the authority in me vested as Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 
Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Supreme Council of the U. S. A., 
Ancient and Accepted Rite, 33d degree, 

I do, by virtue of the Patent with which I am invested, appoint the 
very Illustrious Brother, Armand Felix Heullant, 33d degree, Grand 
Master adjoint of the Grand Orient of France — Representative of the Su- 
preme Council of the United States of America, their Territories and De- 
pendencies, (of which the Illustrious Brother Edmund B. Hays is now 
the Illustrious and the Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander) — to the 
Supreme Council of the Grand Orient of France and the French posses- 
sions- — subject to the ratification of the Supreme Council of the U. S. A. 
Witness my official signature. 

Harry J, Seymour, 33d, 
Sovereign Grand Insjpector General^ 
Grand Master of Ceremonies, <&c. 
Done at the Office of the Grand Orient, No. 16, Rue Cadet— valley of 
Paris, September 16th, 1862. 



September 29th, 1862. 
At a meeting of the Supreme Council, U. S. A., held on the above 
named day, the proceedings of Illustrious Brother Harry J. Seymour, 
Representative, &c., were fully confirmed, and the Patent of the Illustrious 
Brother Heullant, constituting him Representative of the Supreme Coun- 
cil, U. S. A., near the Grand Orient of France, was signed in full Council 
and transmitted to its proper destination. And at the same time the 
Patent from the Grand Orient of France, constituting Illustrious Brother 
John J. Crane was accepted, confirmed, and delivered. 



DOCUMENTS. 417 



Appointment and Exchange of Representatives between the " Supreme 
Council of France" 33d degree, Ancient and Accepted Rite, and the 
" Supreme Council of the U. S. A., their Territories and Depen- 



dencies." 



T.-. T.-. G.v 0.-. T." G.-. A.-. O.-. T .-. U.-. 
IDeus •lflei€tnque Jiis, 

By the authority in me vested as Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 
Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Supreme Council U. S. A., I do, by 
virtue of the Patent with which I am invested, appoint the very Illustri- 
ous Brother Baron A. Hugo de Bulow, Sovereign Grand Inspector Gen- 
eral, Thirty-third degree, as Representative of the Supreme Council of the 
United States of America, their Territories and Dependencies, (of which 
The Illustrious Brother E. B. Hays is now The Illustrious and The Most 
Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander,) to the "Supreme Council. op 
France " Thirty-third degree, Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite. » 

Subject to the Ratification of the Supreme Council U. S. A., 
Witness my ofBcial signature, 

Harry J. Seymour, 33d, 
Sov.'. G.'. Ins.*. Gen.*. Gr.*, Mas.'. ofCer. &c. 

September 1st, 1862. 

September 29th, 1862. 

At a meeting of the Supreme Council U. S. A., held on the above 
named day, the proceedings of Illustrious Brother H. J. Seymour, Repre- 
sentative, &c., was fully confirmed ; and the Patent of Illustrious Brother 
Baron A. Hugo de Bulow, constituting him a Representative of the Su- 
preme Council U. S. A., near the Supreme Council of France, was signed 
in full Council, and forwarded to its proper destination. 

Illustrious Brother Robert D. Holmes, District Deputy Grand Master 
of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, is named by the Supreme 
Council of France as Representative here, awaiting the confirmation of 
the Supreme Council of France, which will meet during the present 
month in Paris. 

Representatives are about being exchanged also with the Supreme 
Grand Councils of England and Scotland, meetings of which bodies take 
place during the present month. 



418 SCOTTISH RITE, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED. 



BEMABKS BY THE AUTHOR. 

The contents of Documents No. 47 and 48, must be satisfactory to 
every one who is connected with this branch of Masonry, so far as it con- 
cerns the regularity of the Cerneau Council. It is now settled that this 
Council is in correspondence with the Grand Orient of France, and 
through that body, with all the bodies in its connection. Also with the 
^^ Supreme Council of France'''' Ancient and Accepted Rite, and all the 
bodies in its connection — whether these connections be in France, Eng- 
land, Scotland, or any other land. So that the members of the Cerneau 
Council and its dependant bodies need not now fear to be rejected, should 
they present themselves to foreign bodies armed with proper credentials. 

But while we thus make mention of this new feature in Subhme Ma* 
sonry, we are obliged also to notice that the same acknowledgments are 
claimed by the Van Rensselaer body, hitherto known as the " Gourgas 
Council ;" and by the Raymond body, which claims to be the true Su- 
preme Council of the Northern Jurisdiction. 

At page 169 — Proceedings of 1862 — Van Rensselaer body — it is stated : 

"Our relations with the Southern and Foreign jurisdictions are on the 
most friendly footing. Nothing has transpired during the past year to 
cause uneasiness, or in any way to disturb the harmony and fraternal 
feelings that have so long characterized our intercourse with those bodies." 

"We are in correspondence wi'th the Supreme Councils of England, 
Scotland, Ireland, France, Belgium, and the Repubhcs of South America." 

" Propositions are before the bodies for the appointment of Represent- 
atives near this and the Grand Easts of England, Scotland, France and 
Belgium." 

" We have also Representatives near the Supreme Councils of Mexico, 
Venezuela, and New Grenada." 

The published proceedings of the Raymond Council for 1862 make 
the like claims to acknowledgement. It is not necessary to copy them ; 
they are the same as the above. 

Now if all these claims be true, all the Supreme Councils in the United 
States occupy the same ground. There is no difference between them — 
all are regular — and all the members of each party are fully acknow- 
ledged wherever they may present themselves. 

This is in accordance with the spirit of Masonry and carries out the 
dogma of " Inde2oendence — and Toleration,^'' which has been the basis of 
the Cerneau Council from the year 1807 to the present day. 



CONTENTS 

OF 

APPENDIX. 



DOCUMENTS 



DOCUMEMT No. 1. 



Document No. 2. 



Document No. 3. 



Nomenclature of Degrees of the " Rite of Perfection, 
1762, with copious quotations from Thory, Ragon, Le- 
vique,Vidal Fezandie, and Olavel. The Appendage to 
the document contains the opinions of various authors 
relative to the claim of Union with these degrees and 
others set forth by the Grand Orient. - Page 3. 



The Treaty of Union between the Grand Lodge of 
France and the Council of the Emperors of the East and 
West, Sept. 17th, 1773. - - - - Page 7. 



A Report on the difficulties which exist between the 
Grand Lodge of the York Rite for the State of Louisiana, 
and the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite for the 
same State, and on the Pretensions of the several Su- 
preme Councils existing in America, and irrefutable 
proofs that the Scottish rite, Ancient and Accepted, in 
Thirty-three degrees, originally belonged to the Grand 
Orient of France. By Brother Le Blanc De Marconnay, 
Thirty-third, Orator of the Chamber of Council and of 
Appeals of the Grand Orient. Translated from the 
French by Brother LafTon Ladebat, a Master Mason of 
the York Rite, and a member of the Supreme Council 
of the Scottish rite, Ancient and Accepted. New 
Orleans, 1853. The Appendage to the document (page 
27,) is a translation of a document received from Brother 
Marconnay, subsequent to the publication of the above 
report. Page 11. 



420 CONTENTS OF APPENDIX. 

Document No. 4. A copy of the Patent or Power of Stephen Morin, 
1761, with a list of degrees attached ; also the same 
translated from Eagon. - . - . Page 29. 



Document No. 5. Extracts from " Ragon—Orthodoxie Maconnique," 1758, 
1761, 1762, 1766, 1780, 1781, 1784, 1786. Page 35. 



Document No. 6. Stephen Morin's Patent annulled, and Brother Martin 
appointed in his place by the (Irand Lodge of France, 
August 17th, 1766. - - " - - - Page 37. 



Document No. 7. The celebrated Circular of the Supreme Grand Council of 
Charleston, 1802, the original document, copied verbatim, 
with signatures and Schedule of degrees. Page 38. 



Document No. 8. The Primitive Eite, or Eite of the Philadelphi of Nar- 
bonne, 1779, copied from Eagon. - - Page 51. 



Document No. 9. Document of the " Old Scotch Directory of the National 
Grand Lodge of the ' Three Globes/ Berlin,' " 1833. 
Translated from the German. - • - Page 53. 



Document No. 10. Fkederick the Great and the Scottish Eite, adducing 
irrefutable evidence of the great " Forgery " concern- 
ing Frederick of Prussia, and of the impossibility of his 
having had anything to do with the " High Degrees," 
or the " Secret Constitutions." - - Page 55, 
The Appendage being a very late document issued by 
the " Grand Lodge of the Three Globes, Berlin," 
1862, setting forth the spuriousness of the so-called Con- 
stitutions of 1786, and the forgery of the signatures to 
that paper. Page 59. 



Document No. 11. Tableau of the Charleston Council for 1802. Page 62. 



Document No. 12. Eecognition of the Sovereign Grand Consistory of the 
United States of America, by the " Supreme Council 
OF France," Feb. 11th, 1813. 

Also the reception of Lafayette as an active member of 
the Supreme Council of France, from the Supreme Coun- 
cil of North America, 1832. - - - Pag-6 64. 



CONTEXTS OF APPENDIX. 



421 



Document No. 13. Eecognition of the Sovereign Grand Consistory for the 
United States of America by the Grand Orient of 
France, July 10th, 1816, with the reception of Ger- 
main Hacquet as the Eepresentative at that Grand 
East. Pa^e 65. 



Document No. 14. 



Doc^ME^'T No, 15. 



VTarrant 
1824. 



of Eose Croix Chapter, 



' Lafayette,^' 
Pas:e 67. 



Eegister of '•' Abraham Jacobs," setting forth the man- 
ner in which, and from whom, he received his degrees, 
&c. Page 71, Diaey of " Abraham Jacobs" is the 
Appendage, and contains the minutes and proceedings 
relating to " Applications received from Brethren " ini- 
tiated into the Sublime degrees, commenced May 26th, 
1792, in the State of Ga., North America. Fas-e 81. 



DocuMEirr No. 16. First Edict published by the Sovereign Grand Consistory 
in French and English, May 25th, 1812. Page 112. 



DOCOTEXT No. 17. 



DOCITMENT No. 18. 



The Expulsion of Joseph Cerneau by the Illustrious 
Emanuel De La Motta, together with " his abettors and 
followers.'^ September 21st, 1813, in the city of New 
York. Page 114. The Appendage to this document 
is a second Edict by De La Motta, January 1814, pub- 
lished in the papers of Philadelphia. - Page 120. 



Eeply of the Sovereign Grand Consistory to Emanuel De 
La Motta's publication of Expulsion, February 28th 
1813. Pa^e 121. 



Document No. 19. Eejoinder of Emanuel De La Motta to the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory for the United States of America, 
their Territories and Dependencies- - Page 131. 



Docoiext No. 20. 



List of the Grand Officers, Members, Honorary Mem- 
bers, &c., of the Supreme Council of Grand Inspectors 
General of the Thirty-third degree, and of the Sovereign 
Grand Consistory of the Supreme Chiefs of Exalted 
Masonry of the Ancient Constitutional Scottish Eite of 
Heredom, for the United States of America, their 
Territories and Dependencies, held in the city of 
New York, also of the constituted bodies of its juris- 



422 



CONTENTS OF APPENDIX. 

dictioD, and of the Grand bodies correspondent, Anno 
Lucis5818. Page 181. 



Document No. 21. Controversy of P. Javain, Deputy Inspector General 
for the State of South Carolina (Cerneau,) and the Il- 
lustrious Joseph McCosh of the Supreme Council of 
that State, published in the Charleston newspapers, 
1822. .-....- Page 193. 



Document No. 22. 



Edict of the Sovereign Grand Consistory, Nov. 10th, 
1820, concerning the impositions of Joseph D'Glock 
D'Obernay, with a list of the Grand Officers of that 
body. Page 199. 



Document No. 23. Copy of the Patent of Illustrious Brother Seth Driggs, 
appointing him Deputy Inspector General for the island 
of Trinidad, with Consistorial powers, September 5th, 
1822. ...... Page 202. 



Document No 24. Edict of the Sovereign Grand Consistory denouncing 
the Charleston Supreme Council, Nov. 14th, 1823, with 
a list of Grand Councils of Princes of the Eoyal Secret, 
and Sovereign Chapters of Rose Croix, denominated 
" Regular." ------ Page 205. 



Document No. 25. 



Copy of the Patent of Illustrious Brother Richard S. 
Spoffordy M. D., Sovereign Grand Inspector General 
Thirty-third degree, with the appointment of Depu- 
ty Inspector General for the State of Massachusetts, 
1825. Page 208. 



Document No. 26. Copy of the Patent of Illustrious Brother David Jewett, 
Sovereign Grand Inspector General Thirty-third degree. 
Representative for Sovereign Grand Consistory, to the 
Empire of Brazil, with Consistorial powers. Page 212. , 



Document No. 27. 



List of the Grand Dignitaries, Grand Officers, ESec- 
tive Members, Absent and Honorary, of the " United 
Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere," of 
Grand Inspectors General of the Order Thirty-third 
degree. Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, &c., 
1832. ' - - Page 217. 



CONTENTS OF APPENDIX. 



423 



Document No. 28. 



Part First. — Copy of the " Treaty of Union and Amal- 
gamation," between the Supreme Council of Terra Firma, 
South America, or New Spain, the Canary Islands, Porto 
Rico, &c., and the Supreme Council of the United States 
of America, their Territories and Dependencies, with 
Ratifications, &c., April 1832. - - Page 228. 



Document No. 28. 



Part Second. — Copy of the Treaty of Masonic Union, 
Alliance, and Confederation, between the United Su- 
preme Council of the Western Hemisphere, the Supreme 
Council of France, the Supreme Council of Belgium, and 
the Grand Orient and Supreme Council of Brazil, to 
which is attached a certified copy (official) of the " Vera 
Instituta Secreta,''' or Secret Constitutions; also a trans- 
lation of that instrument by Illustrious Brother Albert 
Pike. Pa<re212. 



Document No. 28. Appendage. — Communication from the Grand Orient and 
Supreme Council of Brazil, with fraternal greeting, solicit- 
ing a more continuous correspondence with the United Su- 
preme Council for the Western Hemisphere., Page 292. 



Document No. 29. Constitutions and Regulations of 1762, by Nine Com- 
missioners at Paris and Bordeaux, in Thirty-five 
'Articles. Page 296. 



Document No, 30. ) Resignation of members of the Supreme Council of 
Part First. ) Louisiana — Preliminaries between the New Orleans 
Consistory established in 1813 by the Sovereign Grand 
Consistory of Cerneau — And the Consistory of New 
Orleans established by Albert G. Mackey in 1852. 
Concordat between the Consistories thus united, and 
the Supreme Council of Charleston, South Carolina. 
Remarks. Page 312. 



Document No. 30. j Reply of the Supreme Council of New Orleans in 1858 
Part Second, i to the Charleston expulsion, containing list of Officers 
and Members, Declaration of Principles, the (Charles- 
ton expulsion, and full account of proceedings, with 
remarks. Page 320. 



Document No. 31. Edict of the Gourgas Council, June 1st, 1848, defining its 
position, and the extent of its jurisdiction. Page 339. 



424 



CONTENTS OF APPENDIX. 



Document No. 32. Edict and Appeal of the Supreme Council U. S. A. 
. under its re-organization by Illustrious Brother Jeremy 
L. Cross, M. P., Grand Commander 1851. Pas-e 343.. 



Document No. 33. Reply of the Gourgas Council to Document No. 32, and 

also to Document No. 34, issued in February 1851, with 

Edict; also the Reply of the Charleston Council, 

, denying the authenticity of the Patent of Jeremy 

L. Cross. - Page 354. 



Document N . 34. Edict issued by the Supreme Council and Sovereign 
Grand Consistory under Henry C. Atwood, previous 
to its re-organization in June 1851 under Jeremy 
L. Cross. Page 360. 



Document No. 35. 



Copy of the Patent and Power given by the Supreme 
Council of Charleston to Illustrious Brother Jeremy L. 
Cross, attested by C. C. Sebring, one of the signers of 
the same, and a member of the Supreme Council of 
Charleston. Page 366. 



Document No. 36. Communication from the Supreme Council of Louisiana 
and Edict, 1852. - - - - - Page 368. 



Document No. 37. 



Recognition of the Grand Orient and Supreme Council 
of New Grenada, with a list of the bodies under their 
jurisdiction, locations of the same, and the appointment 
of a Representative near that Supreme ■ Council for the 
Supreme Council United States of America. Page 370. 



Document No. 38. 



Document No. 39. 



Recognition of the Supreme Council of Belgium, 
and the appointment of a Representative near the 
same. ----.-- Page 373. 



Patent of Count Alexandre Francois Auguste de Grasse 
Tilly as Sovereign Grand Inspector General Thirty- 
third degree. Grand Commander for life, of the French 
West India islands, February 21st, 1802 ; also Represen- 
tative as per Tableau, Document No. 11. Page 374. 



Document No. 40. 



The Warrant of Rose Croix Chapter, " Amis Choisis," 
its history and connections, with a condensed history of 
the Rite of " Heredom of Kilwinning," its introduc- 



% 



CONTENTS OF APPENDIX. 



425 



Document No. 41. 



Document No. 42. 



Document No. 43. 



Document No. 44. 



Document No. 45. 



tiou and progress into this country, with remarks con- 
cerning- the pretensions of the founder, a list of the bodies, 
established under it, and other remarks. Fa^-e 379. 



List of Officers, Active and Honorary Members, &c., of 
the Supreme Grand Council of the United States of 
America; also the Officers and Members of the Sove- 
reign Grand Consistory. . . . Page 396. 



The Expulsion of Charles W. Mooke, of Boston, Mass. 
and KiLLiAN H. Yan Kensselaer, of Cambridge, Ohio, 
by the Supreme Grand Council of Sovereign Grand 
Inspectors General for the Northern Masonic Jurisdic- 
tion — Illustrious Edward A. Eayraond Grand Comman- 
der, January 22d, 18G2. - - - Page 399. 



The Expulsion of Edward A. Eaymond and Simon 
W. KoBiNSON, by the Supreme Grand Council of Sove- 
reign Grand Inspectors General for the Northern Masonic 
Jurisdiction. Illustrious Killian H. Van Rensse- 
laer, Grand Commander May 2 2d, 1862 — The publica- 
tion of Lucius R. Paige as a pretender — The Expulsion 
by the Sovereign Grand Consistory of Wm. Field, Peter 
Lawson, Charles S. Westcott, John A. Foster, and Geo. 
M. Randall, same date — Approved by the Supreme Grand 
Council May 23d, 1862. - - - Page 401. 



List of Officers and Active Members of the Supreme 
Grand Council for the Northern Jurisdiction of the 
United States ; also of the Sovereign Grand Consistory 
attached to said body. - - - - Page 404. 



An interesting communication from a " Master Mason " 
concerning the Sublime degrees, opinions, &c., copied 
from the Sunday Dispatch August 1861. Page 408. 



'Document No. 46. A -' Note " to page 200 and page 320, relative to the 
Lodges which retained their Warrants during the Anti- 
Masonic excitement, together with a list of most of the 
city Lodges. Page 411. 

Documents No. 47. 48. The Sup.-. Council, U. S. A. acknowledged by the 
Gr.-. Orient of France, and Silpreme Council of France, 
and exchange of Representatives. - Pages 414. 417. 




Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 18ei',by KOBKRT B. FOLGER, M. D., in tte Clerk's Offlo© 
of th« Diatrict Court of the United States, for the ?oatiura Diatriet of Kew York 



^^^ <^^ 



CONTENTS OF PART FIRST 



CHAPTER FIRST. 

Introduction — Explanation of the Nature and Object of tke 
History — Plan of the Work — List of Authors Referred to 
General Remarks. 



CHAPTER SECOND. 

Origin and Progress of the Rite of Perfection — The Doctrine 
of "Derivation" Advocated, as the Basis of all ^^ Legal 
Masonic Bodies — Formation of the " Grand Lodge of France!^ 
— Introduction of New Degrees — Union of the '* Rite of 
Ferfedion^^ with the Grand Lodge of France — Union of the 
Grand Lodge of France with the Grand Orient — Grand Chap- 
ter General of France Unites with the Grand Orient — Nature 
of the Grand Orient of France — ** Tablet" showing the Pro- 
gress of the Rite — 1161. "Stephen Morin" — His Patent — 
Establishment of the Supreme Council of Charleston, May 
31st, 1801— They Adopt a ''New Rii^' and issue a Circular 
in 1802. 



CHAPTER THIRD. 

The "Rite of Perfection" Receives a New Name — Tiz.: 
"Ancient and Accepted" — Progress of Mosin — Appoint- 
ments made by him — His Successors, John Mitchell and Fred- 
erick Dalcho — The 33d Degree — How Manufactured — The 
New Degrees Added on — Commencement of the " Ancient and 
Accepted Scottish Kite'^ — Review of the Charleston Document 
of 1802 — A Schedule of "all the Rites knownj^ with the. dates 
of origin, &c. — " Tahlet,^^ exhibiting their Origin, Progress, 
and Termination — Opinions of Authors concerning the Ancient 
and Accepted Rite. 



DOCUMENTS IN APPENDIX— (referred to.) 
From No. 1 to No. 10, inclusive.— iS«g Prospectus, 



Grateful for tlie kindness manifested by the Fraternity in 
the very commencement of his undertaking, and being desirous 
of placing the work before them with the least possible delay, 
the Author has concluded to issue it in numbers of about 96 
pages each, completing the History with the Seventh number. 
Each number will be charged 50 cents, payable on the delivery 
of the number. This arrangement will not interfere Avith the 
Subscription list, as those Avho have already subscribed can 
receive the work in mimhers at the above price, or if they prefer 
to wait until the Avork is completed, they can have it in that 
way, as per Prospectus, at $3.00, complete. The Author will 
gain nothing in a pecuniary point of view, by issuing the work 
in numbers, but the reverse. 

He is induced to issue it in this way for many reasons. He 
has been strongly urged by the Fraternity to do so, as many of 
them preferred to take it thus, rather than Avait until the Sub- 
scription list should be completed according to the Prospectus. 

He has also been met at the start with the expression of 
fear on the part of some of the brethren, that it might be, like 
some other Masonic works, "a hu^ibug."" That such may be 
convinced of the merit, or demerit of the Avork, it is issued in 
this form. The first number will be a '-''sample^'' of the Form, 
Paper, Printing, Matter, Documents, &c., — and by it all the rest 
can be judged. He is willing to submit it to their inspection, 
and to be judged by it. 

Many have also expressed their willingness to ])atronize the 
woi'k if it could be issued in this way, preferring to pay for each 
number Avhen delivered, rather than wait for its completion. 

It will therefore be issued in numbers, at an interval of two 
or three weeks. The last number Avill contain Frontispiece — 
Title Page — Dedication — Table of Contents of each Chapter — 
Table of Contents of Documents, cfec, in the Appendix — and a 
general and particular " Index^^ of every subject in the history. 

Although the encouragement has been generous, in fkct, 
unexpectedly so, considering the very short time that the Pros- 



hel 



pectus has been issued, yet tlie Author would urge upon the 
brethren, the necessity of subscribing their names at once, in 
order that he may know the number required to be printed. It 
is a w^ork based upon " Suhscription^'' not upon transient sales, 
therefore, the number printed will be altogether governed by 
the names upon the list. At the same time, if the brethren 
subscribing, prefer to receive the work when complete, as per 
Prospectus, they w^ill please mention it opposite their names, 
that all unnecessary trouble may be avoided. 

In conclusion, he would ask for the encouragement of the 
Fraternity, that he may be sustained. A work of the kind has 
never before been attempted, although detached portions have, 
at various times, appeared abroad. 

The documents are very valuable and form the basis of the 
History. It is not a Romance, or a w^ork of fiction, like ^many of 
the productions concerning Masonry, which are met w^ith ; but a 
collection of Facts, Records, Opinions, Events, tfec, all of which 
are borne out by the documentary evidence contained in the work 
itself, and wdll form a complete book of reference for the Library 
of the Intelligent Mason. 

For Sale at the Store of 

M. T. CozANS, Publishei'j Bookseller and Stationer, 122 JS^assau Street^ 
between Beekman and Ann Streets, New York City. 

Also by 

Charles W. Willetts, Nassau Water Department, Registrar's Office, 

Room No. 4, 355 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. 

Subscription Papers left at the following places : 

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E. B. Hays, Keystone Hotel, cor. Chrystie and Division Street, 
M. H, Roberts, 103 Pearl Street, 
Harry J. Seymour, 152 Canal Street, near Citizens' Bank, 

New York. 

And with Tylers at the different Lodges in New York and Brooklyn, 
where also a Prospectus may be obtained, containing a full account 
of the contents of the work. 



PA.RT SECOISTD 













i^on 



r^^;! 



-.^TtS) 



MASONIC HISTORY, 

vLtic 1.51 to lije x7x)i'i) cini) list fiegree, 



OF THE 



4NCIENT AND ACCEPTED RUE 




according t« Act f.f Congress in the year lS62.by ROBERT B. FOI-GER, M. P., in the Clerk's OfTice 
or th« Dialnct Court of the Cnil»i<l .StiteK, for the, Southern DiHtrict of New York 



/^4^ 




^ ^r,/^' 



CONTENTS OF PART SECOND. 



CHAPTER THIRD. 

(Concluded.) 



CHAPTER FOURTH. 

Progress of the '''■Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite''' — A clifriculty with 
the Grand Lodge of South Carohna averted — Progress — Augustus 
Prevost — Pierre le JBarbiere Plessis — Wm. Moore Smith — Moses 
Seixas — Moses Cohen — John Gabriel Tardy — '■'■ Abraham Jacobs''' — 
J. J. J. Gourgas — Registers — Count de Grasse — He goes to France 
and estabhshes the Supreme Grand Council, 33d Degree, Ancient and 
Accepted Rite, in Paris, 1804 — Quarrel thereupon between the Grand 
Orient and the Supreme Council of de Grasse — Particulars — The 
claims of both — The Charleston Council in 1802 — Sublime Lodge 
and Council of Savannah, Georgia — IIov/ ! and by Whom I formed 
—Charleston Council 1813. 



DOCUMENTS IX APPENDIX. 

From Nos. 10 to 16 inclusive. 



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between Beekman and Ami Streets, New York City. 

Also br 

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Room No. 4, 355 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. 

Subseription Papers left at the followiDg places : 

H. C. Banks, Dist. Dep'y Gr. Master, cor. Jolni and Broadway 
E. B. Hays, Keystone Hotel, cor. Chrystie and Division Street, 
JV/. H. Roberts, 103 Pearl Street, 
Harry J. Seymour. 152 Canal Street, near Citizens' Bank. 

New York. 



PA.RT THIRD. 




01 



MASONIC HISTORY, 

C|e 1st to tljt 53^iiJ auiJ last §^m, 




OF THE 



ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED RITE. 



FRO^ ITS 



ORIGIN TO THE PRESENT DAY. 



/ 



BY 



m 



ROBERT B. FOLQER, M. D., Past Master 33d., 
h'^ a Ex-Secretary General. &c. 

:E>E.iaE FXFT^r ceistts. 




THE WHOLE TO BE COMPLETED IN SEVEN NUMBERS. 



>l>. 



i^lSm-i^ 



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N E W YORi^ : -^ "^ 

I 8 G 2 . #. 



Kulerf!.] according lo Act of Congress in tl)e year ]862,by ROBF.RT B. FOLGER, M. D., in llie Clerk's Office 
of tlip Dihtnct Oiurt ul the L'uiteil fjUites, for th« SajilJjern DiKtrict of New York ^ 



COJ^TENTS OF PART THIRD. 



CHAPTER FOURTH. 

(COKCLUDED.) 



CHAPTER FIFTH. 

Progress of the ''^ Rite of Perfection'''' or ^'•Ancient Scottish Rite of Her o- 
dem "^Establishment of the Sovereign Grand Consistory in New York 
City, in ISOY, by Joseph Cerneau — Acknowledgement by the Supreme 
Council of France, 1813 — Also by the Grand Orient of France, 1816 — 
Joseph Cerneau— His Character — Review of the Charges brought 
against him — Narrative of Jeremy L. Cross — Abraham Jacobs— His 
Register and Diary— Particulars of his Proceedings — Emanuel De La 
MoTTA comes from Charleston to New York — His own account of his 
Proceedings — He erects a Supreme Council in New York in 1813 — 
He expels Joseph Cerneau, his ^^ abettors and followers''^ — Keply of the 
Sovereign Grand Consistory — Rejoinder of De La Motta — The end 
of the Supreme Grand Council of De La Motta. 



DOCUMENTS - 
From No. IT to No. 20. 



7 



/ 



For Sale at the Stoee of 

AL T. CozANS, Publisher, Bookseller and Stationer, 122 Massau Sired, 
between Beekman and Ann Streets, New York City. 

Also bv 
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Room No. 4, 355 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. 

Subscription Papers left at the following places : 

H. C. Batiks, Dist. DepY Glr. Master, cor. John and Broadway 
E. B. Hays, Keystone Hotel, cor. Chrystic and Division Street, 
M. H. Roberts, 103 Pearl Street, 
Harry J. Seymour. 152 Canal Street, near Citizens' Bank, 

New York. 



I^A.RTS IV & V 





MASONIC HISTORY, 



CIj£ 1st to \\i 55r^ aitit last i^gw, 



OF THE 



ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED PJTE, 



FROM ITS 



^ 



-^ 



ORIGIN TO THE PRESENT DAY. 






/ 

ROBERT B. FOLGER, M. D., Past Master 33d., 
Ex-Secretaby General, &c. 



PRICE ONE DOLLAR. 



i^«4— *»>»- 




THE WHOLE TO BE COMPLETED IN SEVEN NUMBERS. 

^ / rT> T — NEW Y R K : 



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Enterpd according to Act of Congress in tlie year 1862,by ROBERT B. FOLGER. M. P., in tlie Clerk'n Office 
of tlif Dihtrict Court of \\\*- Cnit«^d States, for the Southern District of New York 



^^7. 



4^.^^^cy. ^j-^/^^^^- 



CONTENTS OF PARTS IV & V. 



CHAPTER FIFTH. 

(Concluded.) 



CHAPTER SIXTH. 

Further progress of the ^'•Ancient Constitutional Scottish Bite of 
HeredorrC — Establisliment of Consistories in Rhode Island, Louisiana, 
South Carolina and Pennsylvania — Attending circumstances — Joseph 
McCosh — P. Javain — List of Deputy Ins. Genl. and Representatives, &c. 



CHAPTER SEVENTH. 

Further progress of the Rite from 1818 to 1828 — Disappearance of 
the De La Motta Council — Withdrawal of J. Cerneau as Grand Com- 
mander — Becomes ^''Honorary''' — Succeeded by John W. Mulligan — 
Succeeded by Dewitt Clinton — Marquis De Lafayette — Richard S. 
Spofford, M. D. — David Jewitt — Libels on Joseph Cerneau answered — 
Differences between the two rites examined. 



CHAPTER EIGHTH. 

1827 — Anti-Masonic excitement — William Morgan — David C. Miller 
— ^The exploit of J. J. J. Gourgas — Establishment of the Unit^id Supreme 
Council — Treaties — (For full particulars see heading of the chapters.) 



DOCUMENTS IN THE APPENDIX. 
From No. 21 to No, 29. 



For Sale at the Store op 



I 



M. T. CozANS, Publisher, Bookseller and Stationer, 122 JVassau Street ^ 
between ^^ckman and Ann Streets, New York City. 

Also by 

Charles W. Willetts, Nassau Water Department, Registrar's Office, 

Room No. 4, 355 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. 

Subscription Papers left at the following places : 

H. C. Banks, Dist. Dep'y Gr. Master, cor. Jolni and Broadway 
E. B. Hays, Keystone Hotel, cor. Chrystie and Division Street, 
M. H. Roberts, 103 Pearl Street, 
Harry J. Seymour, 152 Canal Street, near Citizens' Bank, 

New York. 




I^^RTS V^I & V^II 







MASONIC HISTORY, 



Clje 1st ta Wit 'i^x\ aiiii last feqwe, 




OP THE 



ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED lUTE, 



PROM ITS 



^ ORIGIN TO THE PRESENT DAY 



I 

m 



ROBERT B. FOLGER, M. D., Past Master S3d., 
Ex-Secretary General, &c. 



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of tl.e District (.f.uit <>r ihf- rnitt^d States, for the Fouthern District of New Yerk 



/^^^ /2/. J^yU^ 






CONTENTS OF PARTS VI & YIL 



CHAPTER NINTH. 

Further progress of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, up to the year 1862. 
For particulars see heading of chapter, . . . Page 243 



CHAPTER TENTH. 

Statistic account of the Sov.*. Gr.*. Consistory, XJ, S» A., <fec.j Page 28*7 



CHAPTER ELEVENTH. 

An Epitome of Events and Occurrences from A.D. 1700 to 1862. Page 305 



CHAPTER TWELFTH. 

Conclusion, Page 324 



DOCUMENTS IN THE APPENDIX. 
From No. 28 to No. 48 inclusive. 



mi 



I 



I 



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Room No. 4, 355 Fulton Street, Brookltx. 

Subscription Papers left at the following places : J 

H, C. Banks, Dist. Dep'y Gr. Master, cor. John and Broadway 
E. B. Hays, Keystone Hotel, cor. Chrystie and Division Street, 
M. H. Roberts, 103 Pearl Street, 
Harjy J. Seymmir, 152 Canal Street, near Citizens' Bank, 

New York. 



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